UFC Denver: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez: Top video highlights
The UFC returned to Denver for the first time since 2018, bringing a stacked card to the Mile High City. The event, headlined by Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez, marked a return to a city steeped in UFC history, including hosting UFC 1 and 2.
The card also featured a number of intriguing matchups, including Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov, Drew Dober vs. Jean Silva, and Gabriel Bonfim vs. Ange Loosa.
UFC Denver: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez
Former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas successfully defended her spot in the flyweight division's top tier, outclassing the surging Tracy Cortez in the main event of UFC Denver.
Namajunas, fighting in her 'adopted' hometown, showcased her superior striking and grappling skills throughout the fight. A first-round knockdown set the tone, and she maintained control with consistent pressure and effective takedowns.
Cortez, despite her heart and determination, struggled to find a rhythm against the more experienced Namajunas. The judges ultimately awarded Namajunas a unanimous decision victory (49-46,49-46,48-47), solidifying her position as a top contender in the flyweight division. With this win, she takes a significant step closer to a potential title shot.
Since the start of the first round, Namajunas maintained her speed and rhythm:
Cortez attempted a guillotine in the second round:
Tracy Cortez had an 'eyelash' accident going into the 3rd round:
'Thug Rose's' experience became increasingly evident as the fight progressed into the later rounds:
Cortez attempted a takedown on the former champion in the fourth round.
Both fighters traded impressive punches as they concluded the final round of the main event fight:
UFC Denver: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Muslim Salikhov
Veteran welterweights Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov finally squared off at UFC Denver, with Salikhov emerging victorious via split decision. The Argentine, Ponzinibbio, looking to rebound from a recent loss, started strong, applying pressure and backing Salikhov against the cage.
However, the Russian fighter, known for his unorthodox striking, began to find his range with a mix of kicks and punches. A cut opened up on Salikhov's nose, adding drama to the contest.
The second round saw a shift in momentum as Salikhov landed a powerful left hook that visibly rocked Ponzinibbio. While the Argentine recovered, Salikhov continued to impress with his striking combinations and a successful takedown attempt. The final round was a closely contested affair with both fighters trading blows. Ponzinibbio secured a takedown but couldn't capitalize fully. In the end, the judges awarded the fight to Salikhov.
The victory snaps Salikhov's two-fight losing streak and puts him back in the mix at welterweight, while Ponzinibbio faces another setback in his career.
Check out Santiago Ponzinibbio's walkout to the octagon:
Some powerful combinations were thrown by the Argentine, but unfortunately, they did not connect with his opponent:
Salikhov showcased his powerful kicking techniques:
Salikhov connected with powerful strikes against his opponent.:
UFC Denver: Drew Dober vs. Jean Silva
Drew Dober, with 41 professional fights under his belt, opened the bout with a leg kick, but Jean Silva responded with a powerful body kick and a quick left hand. Silva's speed and countering proved challenging for Dober, who suffered a cut under his right eye (check out the clip here). Silva's flying knee and counter right hooks highlighted the first round.
In the second round, Dober attempted to close the distance, landing a knee in the clinch and a Superman punch, but Silva's counters wobbled him. A spinning back elbow almost ended the fight before the bell.
The third round saw Silva's power shine, knocking Dober down with another spinning elbow. The fight was stopped due to Dober's cut, granting Silva a TKO victory in the third round.
Silva Almost got caught while having a mid-fight conversation with Drober's team:
Both fighters had some strong exchanges:
UFC Denver: Top highlights from the rest of the fight card
Gabriel Bonfim landed some heavy blows on his opponent Ange Loosa:
Julian Erosa caught Christian Rodriguez in a nasty guillotine choke for a first-round submission win:
The main card kicked off with an all-Colorado battle between Abdul Razak Alhassan and Cody Brundage. However, the fight ended in an unfortunate first-round stoppage due to illegal blows:
Charles Johnson concluded the prelims with a final-round knockout victory over Joshua Van, landing a precise uppercut:
Jasmine Jasudavicius celebrated her victory with fans after securing a unanimous decision win over UFC debutant Fatima Kline:
Montel Jackson lived up to his moniker 'Quick' as he surprised everyone with the 2nd fastest (17 seconds) knockout in the bantamweight division:
Santos with her celebratory dance moves following the win:
Brazil's Luana Santos secured the second submission win of the night in the very first round:
The event took off with some impressive strikes from Evan Elder:
Following the impressive submission win, Elder addressed former POTUS Donald Trump's assassination attempt: