Rose Namajunas Claims Victory Over Tracy Cortez in UFC on ESPN 59 Main Event

In a thrilling main event at Ball Arena in Denver, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas showcased her skills and defeated Tracy Cortez, putting an end to her undefeated run in the UFC. The women's flyweight bout was a high-stakes opportunity for Cortez, who was stepping in for the injured Maycee Barber. However, Namajunas proved that there are different levels to this game as she secured a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).

Right from the start, Namajunas demonstrated her technical prowess by darting in and out with quick strikes, utilizing a mix of punches and kicks. Just two minutes into the fight, she landed a clean punch that sent Cortez to the canvas, losing an eyelash in the process. Despite the early knockdown, Namajunas couldn't capitalize on the ground and the fight returned to the feet.

Maintaining her calculated approach, Namajunas continued to showcase her striking superiority in the second round. Cortez displayed some improvement but failed to match the speed and accuracy of Namajunas. In the closing moments of the round, Namajunas executed a well-timed takedown, further showcasing her diverse skill set.

The third round saw Namajunas assert her dominance once again with a clean takedown early on. Although Cortez briefly regained her footing, Namajunas quickly brought her back to the mat. Both fighters defended submission attempts well, and the fight eventually returned to the standing position. However, in the final seconds, Cortez absorbed a solid front kick to the face.

Throughout the bout, Namajunas showcased her confidence in the clinch and her ability to secure takedowns, keeping Cortez under relentless pressure. With superior skills in all aspects of the fight, Namajunas was clearly ahead on the scorecards heading into the final round. Despite Cortez's increased aggression, she couldn't find a way to overcome Namajunas and secure a finish.

Following her victory, Namajunas expressed her desire for a shot at the UFC flyweight title or even a women's BMF (Baddest Mother Fighter) title bout during her post-fight interview. With her back-to-back main event wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Amanda Ribas in March, Namajunas has established herself as a dominant force in the division.

On the other hand, Cortez leaves the octagon with her first loss in the UFC. As a Dana White's Contender Series veteran, she had previously won all five of her appearances by decision. Despite the loss, Cortez showcased resilience and determination throughout the fight.

The UFC on ESPN 59 showcased a thrilling battle between two talented athletes, with Rose Namajunas emerging as the victor. As the division now awaits the next title challenger, Namajunas has certainly made her case for a shot at the championship.