Paige VanZant suffers defeat against Rose Namajunas in Las Vegas to leave her UFC strawweight title dreams in ruins

Paige VanZant's dreams of fighting for the UFC strawweight title were left in tatters after she suffered a one-sided beating from Rose Namajunas.

With current champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk watching from Octagonside at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, the stage was set for the 21-year-old.

But she struggled from the outset and only her impressive defence and sheer bravery kept her in the fight until the fifth round before Namajunas finally locked in a rear naked choke.

Rose Namajunas (top) pictured punching her fellow American Paige VanZant in their UFC strawweight bout in Las Vegas on Thursday

Namajunas set about VanZant from the off as she stalked out the opportunity to finish her opponent in ruthless fashion

Poster girl VanZant's dreams of fighting for the UFC strawweight title were dealt a big setback by this one-sided defeat to Namajunas

VanZant put up a brave fight for four one-sided rounds before finally submitting to a rear naked choke in the final session

The stage was set for VanZant to get closer to her title shot with Joanna Jedrzejczyk but the strawweight prospect suffered a costly defeat

Namajunas celebrates her submission victory over VanZant after their bout during the UFC Fight Night 80 in Las Vegas

Namajunas celebrates her win over VanZant with her team after schooling her opponent in Las Vegas

'Coming in I knew I had to control my emotions, said the winner. 'I couldn't get overly excited so I stayed calm and remained in the moment.

'I thought I had the submission several times but I guess it just needed a little bit more. I listened to my corner the whole way through and took my time. I felt amazing in there and it was a big confidence booster to come out on top tonight.

'I want to take some time off and not rush anything. I want that title but I want to know I'm ready for it when it comes.'

VanZant only took up combat sports when she stumbled upon Ken Shamrock's gym in Nevada while looking for a dance studio.

She turned professional just two months after making her amateur debut aged 18 and compiled a 3-1 record with Invicta.

VanZant was announced as a cast member of the UFC's popular reality show The Ultimate Fighter but had to withdraw as she was a year younger than the minimum age of 21.

Instead she faced, and defeated, Kailin Curran before signing an individual sponsorship deal with Reebok.

Victories over Felice Herrig and Alex Chambers followed as VanZant sought to convince the public that her talent justified her elevated status.

Glasgow's Joanne Calderwood was due to provide the competition in Las Vegas but a knee injury saw her replaced by Namajunas.

The 23-year-old, ranked four places above VanZant at No 3, did compete in The Ultimate Fighter, reaching the Finale only to lose to Carla Esparza for the strawweight title.

Namajunas' only fight since was a first-round submission victory over Angela Hill in October before she stepped in to face VanZant.

And she looked to make the most of this opportunity from the off.

A strong start on her feet was followed by a takedown and Namajunas piled in with her elbows, opening up a cut on VanZant's right cheek.

Namajunas strikes VanZant with a strong left hand on her way to a well-deserved win over the UFC poster girl

VanZant suffered a one-sided and painful beating from Namajunas at UFC Fight Night 80

VanZant lands a kick in the stomach of her opponent Namajunas as she gave everything to remain in the fight as long as she could

Namajunas looked to make the most of this opportunity against VanZant from the off and dominated the exchanges

With blood starting to seep down her face, she recovered and returned to her feet but was soon on her back again and shipping punishment.

VanZant survived to return to her corner but was soon in deep water again on the canvas and, unable to make an impression on the fight, she conceded another round.

Namajunas looked to be closing in on victory in the third when she leapt on to VanZant's back and dragged her to the canvas.

It appeared inevitable that the pre-fight favourite would tap but she managed to wriggle free to hear the horn for the end of the session.

And her incredible escape act continued into the penultimate round when twice Namajunas looked to have the arm bar locked in, only for Van Zant to contort herself out of what appeared to be hopeless positions.

Eventually though, even VanZant was unable to fend off her relentless opponent and Namajunas took her back and forced her to submit.

The co-main event had earlier finished by the same method as Michael Chiesa submitted Jim Miller in the second round.

'Every win gets me one step higher in the rankings and closer to that title shot,' said Chiesa. 'I'm gunning for the title and I'm ready for anyone. Jim doesn't get finished often and I was able to do it tonight. I'm not the prettiest and I sure fight dirty but I get the job done.'

Namajunas celebrates her submission victory inside the octagon in front of a big crowd while the defeated VanZant looks dejected

No7 ranked strawweight VanZant struggled from the outset against Namajunas, who was four places ahead of her in the rankings

Namajunas' only UFC fight before this was a first-round submission victory over Angela Hill in October