In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), two formidable fighters, Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez, faced off in the main event of UFC Denver on July 13, 2024. Both women were determined to secure a victory and claim their rightful place in the flyweight division.
Rose Namajunas, a two-time UFC strawweight champion hailing from Milwaukee, entered the contest with an impressive record of 14-6 MMA and 11-5 UFC. Her opponents often underestimated her tenacity and striking abilities, which proved to be fatal mistakes in the octagon.
Tracy Cortez, on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with. With an undefeated record of 5-0 during her UFC tenure and a reputation for being a formidable wrestler, she posed a significant threat to Namajunas' title aspirations.
However, Cortez faced an unexpected challenge when she weighed in over the women's flyweight limit of 126 pounds. In order to make weight and secure her spot in the main event, she made a bold decision: she cut her hair. The sacrifice paid off as Cortez weighed exactly 126 pounds on the dot.
The fight began with both women showcasing their striking abilities, but it was Namajunas who took control early on. She deployed calf kicks and connected with sharp jabs and right hands, leaving Cortez struggling to keep up. In the first round alone, Namajunas knocked Cortez down with a left hook.
Cortez made adjustments in the second round, focusing on avoiding Namajunas' striking attacks. However, she struggled to put her wrestling skills into play and was unable to take control of the fight. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Cortez aggressively pursued Namajunas but was shut down by a well-timed takedown.
Namajunas continued her dominance in the third round, dragging Cortez to the mat with her offensive wrestling and controlling the action with her striking pedigree. The judges ultimately awarded Namajunas a unanimous decision victory, securing her place as a top contender in the flyweight division.
Despite Cortez's valiant effort, it was clear that Namajunas had outclassed her opponent and proven herself to be a formidable force in the UFC. The sold-out crowd at Ball Arena erupted in cheers as Namajunas celebrated her hard-earned victory.
