Rose Namajunas Outclasses Tracy Cortez

Early on it became apparent that there was a real different is in class as Rose Namajunas  went to work on Cortez. Namajunas deployed calf kicks early and showcased her exceptional striking ability, connecting with a sharp jab and several right hands in the early moments of the fight. A left hook from Namajunas deposited Cortez on the canvas, knocking an eyelash off in the process. Namajunas followed her to the mat in pursuit of the finish but thought better of it, bringing the fight back to the feet for the rest of the round.

Thug wants the belt

“I am Colorado’s first UFC champion, so I want to bring that belt home,” Namajunas said following the victory. “Either that or a women’s BMF title fight.”

Namajunas is probably a couple fights away from earning a title shot at flyweight but if she performs like she did on Saturday then she’ll get that a title shot by early next year.

Cortez, who was originally scheduled to face Miranda Maverick the following week, accepted the assignment on less than three weeks’ notice after Maycee Barber was forced out due to ongoing health problems. This is the first first loss for Cortez since 2017. Fighting a supremely skilled fighter like Namajunas was a huge culture shock for Cortez. She’ll have to get back into the lab if she ever wants to be in contention for a championship.