UFC Denver: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez: Live round-by-round updates
UFC Denver will be headlined by a flyweight contest between the No.6-ranked Rose Namajunas and the No.11-ranked Tracy Cortez.
This weekend, Namajunas (12-6) will be on the hunt for a second win since switching to 125 pounds. The former two-time strawweight queen is currently 1-1 in the division and was last seen in a unanimous decision win over Amanda Ribas at UFC on ESPN 53 in March.
While she has yet to land a win against any of the top five in the division, an impressive victory against a surging contender like Cortez, will surely get her closer to the title picture.
'Thug' is a true legend of the sport and holds wins against top stars including reigning strawweight queen Zhang Weili and former champions Jessica Andrade and Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
In the other half of the main event, Cortez (11-1) is one of the most promising contenders at flyweight. She is undefeated in the promotion, with her latest win coming via a unanimous decision against Jasmine Jasudavicius at UFC Fight Night 227.
A win against a legend of the sport like Namajunas will greatly elevate her standing in the division.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, 'Thug' is a -230 favorite for the fight, with Cortez as a +190 underdog.
The main card is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from UFC Denver.
Watch the final face-off between Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez below:
UFC Denver: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez
Round 1
Both fighters are exercising caution. Namajunas opens up with a calf kick. A straight right-hand stuns Cortez. Another right hand snaps back Cortez's head.
A left hook knocks down Cortez. Namajunas commits to the ground and pound but Cortez ties her up. The fighters get back to their feet. Cortez is attacking in a straight line, making her easy pickings for the former strawweight queen.
'Thug's' consistent feints and foot movement are keeping her opponent guessing. A good right-hand lands for Cortez.
Both fighters land claf kicks. Despite the knockdown, this is still anyone's fight.
A good round for 'Thug'.
Round 2
Namajunas is fighting just outside of the range, aware of the takedown threat her opponent presents. She is peppering her opponent up with quick jabs. 'Thug' is still employing constant feints, making her an elusive target.
A high kick lands for 'Thug', and Cortez answers with a high kick of her own. Cortez times a takedown and takes her opponent back. She is unable to maintain the position and transitions to guillotine, which 'Thug' eventually gets out of.
'Thug' has failed to find many clean shots this round. However, she has outlanded her opponent 20 to 11 via unofficial stats. Wow!!! Namajunas secures a takedown on the Argentinian to close out the round.
A very close round.
Round 3
Cortez comes out aggressive. Namajunas stifles her opponent's offensive with a takedown. She secures full mount. However, Cortez has managed to block most of her opponent's ground and pound.
Cortez fights her way back to her feet. 'Thug' once again forces her opponent to the mat. Namajunas gets full mount. Cortez tries to use the fence to slip out of the position but ends up giving up her back.
'Thug' transitions to side control and Cortez finds her back to her feet. A teap kick to the face lands for 'Thug'.
A great round for 'Thug'.
Round 4
Cortez's face has visibly swelled up owing to the accumulated damage from previous rounds. A kick lands for Cortez and 'Thug' quickly ties her opponent up. Cortez lands a punch on the break.
A left hook lands for 'Thug'. Namajunas shoots for a takedown and takes her opponent's back. However, Cortez quickly gets back to her feet.
Rose is still fighting at range firing Cortez to lunge at her for a takedown, but 'Thug' expertly stuffs it.
A close round, but 'Thug' seems to have fared better in the round.
Round 5
Cortez has dialed up her pressure sensing that she might need a finish. Both fighters trade in the cage, with Namajunas connecting the more accurate shots.
Another takedown attempt by Cortez gets stuffed by Namajunas. Cortez tries to land on her foe, but she is finding it hard to land on her elusive opponent.
Namajunas tires to change level, but this time Cortez stuffs it. The Argentinian seems to be trying to find ways to land an uppercut, however, it seems she is telegraphing it too much.
Cortez lands double right hooks. Namajunas seems to be content, coasting on in this round realizing that she has done enough to land a decision win. A right had land for Namajunas. The fight ends with both women clinching along the fence.
A better round for Cortez, but 'Thug' seems to have had the upper hand this round.
Stay tuned for the official decision.
Official Decision: Rose Namajunas def. Tracy Cortez via unanimous decision. (49-46,49-46,48-47)
Namajunas calls for a title shot or a women's BMF match-up following the win.
Check out the official decision below: