UFC Denver blew the roof off Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., this past weekend (Sat., July 13, 2024), leaving several fighters feeling the post-fight blues. Among them was Drew Dober, who suffered a third round technical knockout loss at the hands of Jean Silva, to go along with one of the nastiest cuts we have seen in awhile (see it again here).
And Da’Mon Blackshear, who was knocked out by Montel Jackson in just 18 seconds (relive it here). But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the show?
Tracy Cortez.
Coming into her first-ever headlining fight, Cortez didn’t get the chance to prepare to the fullest after agreeing to replace Maycee Barber on just two weeks notice. And doing that against someone like former women’s Strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, isn’t ideal.
Especially a “Mile High.”
Still, Cortez couldn’t pass up the opportunity because a win would have catapulted her into the Top 5 and her championship fight dreams would’ve gotten that much closer. Unfortunately for the up-and-coming contender, she ran into a grizzled veteran who was at the top of her game come fight night.
“Thug Rose” displayed her dominance in the striking department against Cortez for a solid 25 minutes, which came as no surprise. However, what left Cortez puzzled was the fact that Namajunas also emerged victorious in the wrestling department, after previously getting dropped by a powerful shot in the first round.
After that occurrence, the game was brought to an end.
Namajunas emerged victorious with a decisive unanimous decision, marking Cortez’s first defeat in her UFC career and putting an end to her impressive 11-fight winning streak.
“I took it on two weeks’ notice, unprepared, and gave it all I had,” Cortez said after the loss backstage. “I know if I were to have a full camp, prepared – I mean, my cardio was there – I think I would’ve done a lot better with a good game plan. I think I proved myself I can go five fives, you know. (I’m) looking forward to the next one.
She persisted, saying, “I won’t make any excuses. It’s true that it’s challenging for me to get back up, but I was genuinely hurt by how she defeated me. However, I’m determined to step back into the ring. The last time I experienced a loss, I bounced back with an impressive winning streak and reaffirmed my abilities. I’m not looking to prove anything to the world. My goal is to prove myself.”
While the loss was crushing for the 30-year old, it will be definitely serve as a learning experience. She headlined her first event, missed weight for the first time (but ultimately hit her mark), and went five full rounds against one of the best fighters in women’s mixed martial arts (MMA) history.
One of the bigger lessons she can take from this is what she needs to improve on. Namajunas is as well-rounded as they come, and her championship pedigree was evident in the fight. As far as what could realistically be next for Cortez, a fight against Viviane Araujo seems appropriate.
Araujo was supposed to face Jasmine Jasdavicious at UFC Denver, but had to withdraw with an injury. She is coming off a loss at the hands of Natalia Silva, so she is need of a win to get some of her confidence back, too.
Book ‘em?
For complete UFC Denver results, coverage and highlights, click HERE.
