The bout was Tracy Cortez’s first UFC headliner but she unfortunately fell short and lost to Rose Namajunas.
Cortez was initially supposed to face Miranda Maverick in a different fight at UFC Vegas 94 but she pulled out to accept a short-notice battle against Namajunas. ‘Thug’ was originally supposed to battle Maycee Barber but her opponent pulled out due to health issues.
Although Cortez was a bit unprepared for the fight, she put on a good show and managed to stay in the cage for the five-round match.
“I took it on a two-week notice unprepared and I gave it all I had,” Cortez said during the UFC post-fight show. “I know if I were to have a full camp prepared, I mean my cardio was there, I think I would have been a lot better.
“We had a good game plan but I think I proved myself tonight that I can go five [five-minute rounds]. Looking forward to the next one.”
Cortez scored an early takedown in the opening round but she slowed the momentum which gave Namajunas an upper hand. ‘Thug’ took the opportunity to knock her opponent to the floor several times and landed a couple of hand punches. Cortez sustained an injury during the grapple but she stayed in the fight and did not let that deter her.
“I hurt my toe, no excuses, I know it was kind of hard for me to get up. But I was pretty upset that she took me down the way she did.
“I was trying because it was five[five-minute rounds], I was really trying to pace myself the first and second round,” Cortez added. “ I just realized this is give it all I have. It’s all or nothing. I think I waited a little too long to really push it on her.”
Cortez originally did not make the cut-off weight and had to chop off six inches of her hair to make weight. In the end, she lost the fight but she gained considerable experience on how to perform moving forward. The fighter is eager to take on a new challenge and face her next opponent.
“I want to get right back in there.” She said. “ The last time I fought I went on a killer streak. I want to prove to myself again. I’m not here to prove to the world, I’m here to prove myself.”
