Previewing the UFC Denver main event, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas is set to take on the rising star, Tracy Cortez, in a flyweight bout. This match comes as a significant challenge for Namajunas, who had to switch gears in her preparation after her initial opponent, Maycee Barber, withdrew due to injury.
Tracy Cortez, ranked No. 11 in the UFC flyweight division, has maintained an impressive record, remaining undefeated since her professional debut in 2017. Currently on an 11-fight win streak, Cortez views this fight as a crucial step in her career, facing off against the seasoned former two-time UFC strawweight champion.
Namajunas has a remarkable history at 115 pounds, tying for fifth in divisional wins and second for most finishes at that weight class. Her career highlights include memorable victories over UFC Hall of Famer Joanna Jedrzejczyk and current champion Zhang Weili. After a defeat at UFC 274, Namajunas moved up to the flyweight class, where she recently secured a win against Amanda Ribas, marking her first victory in the division.
Cortez has excelled since her UFC debut in 2019, consistently out-striking her opponents and proving her prowess in the flyweight division. She boasts a significant strike accuracy of 53.2%, surpassing the UFC average.
The upcoming main event poses an intriguing matchup in striking abilities and grappling skills, with Cortez showing promise in her takedown and control time, while Namajunas is known for her striking power and experience in championship bouts.
Denver's UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez promises to be an exciting clash, offering a glimpse of two formidable athletes at different stages of their careers. The event is set to take place at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on July 13, 2024, with prelims starting at 7 PM ET followed by the main card at 10 PM ET.