Does Tracy Cortez deserve the Namajunas fight?
As she gets ready to face Rose Namajunas this weekend, Tracy Cortez has the opportunity to notch a win better than any other in her undefeated UFC career so far by an order of magnitude. Joining the UFC in 2019, Cortez has gone a perfect 5-0 with an overall record of 11-1. Her only loss was in 2017 as she was making her professional debut. With an opportunity to seize the moment, a win would push Cortez into the top ten and put her eyes on a top five matchup.
Tracy Cortez stepping up on short notice
Fan-favorite Tracy Cortez hasn’t been the most active fighter in the women’s flyweight division. Since joining the UFC in 2019, she’s been perfect, but has only racked up five wins, just one a year. Fortunately, Cortez was already in camp and was to fight Miranda Maverick next week.
When Maycee Barber pulled out of the main event, she jumped at the chance to step in and not only fight in her first main event, but also take on a former champion, something the UFC matchmakers look for when making title fights.
The opportunity to face Namajunas, who is ranked sixth, gives her the opportunity to pole vault contenders like Katlyn Cerminara and Amanda Ribas. A win will certainly set her eyes on a fight with names like Jessica Andrade and Manon Fiorot.
Deserving?
Stepping in on short notice is a noble cause. But some are wondering if Cortez deserves a shot this big given her resume and inactivity. Though not out of the fight, moving on to a champion like Rose Namajunas, one who can give her trouble, is a massive step up.
Tracy Cortez is on an 11 fight winning streak. As previously mentioned, she suffered her only loss in her debut. Despite her less than stellar UFC record, with fights she should win, Cortez beat Mariya Agapova on the Contender Series and Erin Blanchfield in Invicta before that. The Blanchfield win has aged incredibly well with Blanchfield now being ranked third in the flyweight division.
Tracy Cortez is talented. She’s a good fighter with good elbows on the ground. She has some good wins, like Blanchfield. A fight with Rose Namajunas may be a little early in her career in terms of resume. But with five years under her belt, Cortez is ready for her opportunity in the spotlight. Her first main event, a shot at a former two time champ.
