Tracy Cortez is ready to compete within the largest battle of her profession at UFC Denver this weekend (Sat., July 13, 2024).
UFC’s return to its origin state has crumbled in its construct. Initially on faucet for the primary occasion was a Flyweight contender bout between former Strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, and Maycee Barber. Sadly for Barber, she suffered an harm that led to her withdrawal and Cortez’s heroics, stepping up per week sooner than her deliberate match up in opposition to Miranda Maverick for UFC Vegas 95 subsequent weekend (Sat., July 20, 2024).
The division’s title is at the moment caught between the Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko rivalry. Nonetheless, the champion, Grasso, has speculated Shevchenko may not make it to the deliberate Noche UFC occasion in Las Vegas’ Sphere on Sept. 14, 2024. Ought to there be any points or a resort to different choices, Cortez hopes to make a press release in opposition to Namajunas and slide into the title challenger function.
“I actually wish to battle for the belt,” Cortez advised MMA Junkie. “I do know there’s lots of people forward of me nonetheless. I do know profitable this battle, the place it may transfer me to, and the efficiency I placed on Saturday, I do know all the things that comes with it. If I get the chance and so they grant me the chance to battle at The Sphere, I feel it might be unimaginable historical past. Two Mexican girls on Mexican Independence Day combating on the most important sport occasion ever. I feel that might simply be unimaginable. That’s one thing I by no means imagined and I really feel prefer it’s simply arm’s size. That’s what I’m striving for, however on the finish of the day, long-term purpose, I’m combating for the belt.”
Cortez, 30, has been good in her 12-fight profession (11-1) since she dropped her debut bout by second spherical guillotine in opposition to Cheri Muraski in August 2017. In her match up with Namajunas, she’ll be the previous champion’s third battle at 125 kilos.
“Who doesn’t love Rose? She’s an unimaginable individual, however sadly, we’re within the combating enterprise,” Cortez stated. “She desires to maneuver as much as 125 and we’re going to face one another. Whether or not it’s now or down the highway, it simply occurs to be now. I’ve nothing unhealthy to say about Rose and if something, I’m excited for this problem and I’m grateful she took this battle with me.
“I wish to say I’m a real 125er,” she continued. “Sh*t, I may even battle at 135 however I’m an actual Flyweight and I don’t assume she’s but to face somebody like myself, and vice versa. I’ve by no means confronted a former world champion, so it’s placing each of us in an excellent check.”
Do not forget that MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of the whole UFC Denver battle card proper right here, beginning with the ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches, that are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET, then the remaining fundamental card steadiness on ESPN (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET.
To take a look at the newest and best UFC Denver: “Namajunas vs. Cortez” information and notes make sure to hit up our complete occasion archive proper right here.
