This past Saturday night in the main event of UFC Denver, we saw a fun showdown in the women’s flyweight division. Tracy Cortez (11-2) got a massive opportunity to step in there against former strawweight champion “Thug” Rose Namajunas (13-6).
Originally, Cortez was supposed to fight Miranda Maverick this upcoming weekend at UFC Vegas 94 and Namajunas was supposed to face Maycee Barber. However, when Barber fell out of the main event, Cortez jumped at the opportunity to face off against the former champion.
Cortez entered the fight on an 11 fight win streak. When the fight started, it was apparent that she might not be on the same level as Namajunas, at least as of now. Namajunas dropped Cortez in the first round and really controlled the first three rounds. However, Cortez showed massive heart.
She never stopped fighting and really put her foot on the gas in the final two rounds. She was able to win the last round on all the scorecards and even won the fourth on some. However, it wasn’t enough and she suffered her first loss at UFC Denver since her first professional fight.
What’s next after UFC Denver?
This was a big step up for Tracy Cortez and it was on short-notice. She was very game, but it’s clear that she needs a little more refining before she takes on the likes of Rose Namajunas. So, after this loss on Saturday night, what should be next for Cortez?
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind the UFC rebooking the Maverick fight. Maverick fights this weekend and if she wins, that fight makes a lot of sense to me for both fighters. Ariane Lipski is another name that makes a lot of sense. Lipski had won three-fights in a row but recently suffered a decision loss to take her out of the rankings. Either of those names would be good next fights for Cortez.