In a dominating performance, Rose Namajunas showcased her superior striking and grappling skills to shut down Tracy Cortez in the main event of UFC Fight Night. The fight, which took place at the sold-out Ball Arena in Denver, was a home game for Namajunas, who has been residing in Denver for the past decade. The former two-time strawweight champion left no room for doubt as she dominated Cortez in every facet of the fight.
From the early portions of the fight, Namajunas used her exceptional striking to pick off Cortez. She connected with calf kicks, a sharp jab, and several right hands in the opening moments of the bout. A powerful left hook from Namajunas even deposited Cortez on the canvas, displaying her striking prowess. Despite the opportunity to finish the fight on the ground, Namajunas opted to bring the fight back to the feet and continue her dominance.
Mastering the Ground Game
Moving into the middle rounds, Namajunas showcased her grappling skills, which further solidified her control over Cortez. Despite being known as the better wrestler, Cortez struggled to track Namajunas and found herself on the receiving end of a late takedown in the second round. From there, Namajunas asserted her top control, denying Cortez the chance to get back on her feet for the majority of the round. The former champion’s offensive wrestling skills were on full display as she continued to dictate the pace of the fight.
Unanimous Decision Victory for Namajunas
With scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47, Namajunas claimed a unanimous decision victory over Cortez. This win marked Namajunas’ second consecutive victory after her flyweight debut loss in 2023. Following the fight, Namajunas expressed her desire to bring a UFC championship belt back to Colorado, emphasizing her intentions to compete for the title in the near future.
With flyweight champion Alexa Grasso scheduled to face Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot likely next in line for a title shot, Namajunas may have to wait a fight or two before getting a title opportunity. However, her performance against Cortez demonstrates that she is finding her footing in the flyweight division and could be a strong contender in the future. Namajunas’ dominant display against Cortez proves that she is back in the mix for a title shot sooner rather than later.
Rose Namajunas’ impressive victory over Tracy Cortez at UFC Fight Night showcased her skills as a well-rounded fighter with superior striking and grappling abilities. As she continues to climb the ranks in the flyweight division, Namajunas is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with and a potential future champion.