UFC 5 - NAMAJUNAS VS CORTEZ

UFC 5 - NAMAJUNAS VS CORTEZ

UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez is set to take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This event marks the UFC's return to the city where it all began, featuring a compelling main event in the women's flyweight division.

Main Event: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez

Rose Namajunas (13-6), the former two-time UFC women's strawweight champion, will headline the event against Tracy Cortez (11-1), the No. 11 ranked contender. This bout represents Namajunas' continued foray into the flyweight division after a successful career at strawweight. Namajunas is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Amanda Ribas in March 2024, looking to build momentum in her new weight class.

Tracy Cortez, a Dana White's Contender Series alum, steps in as a replacement for the originally scheduled Maycee Barber. Cortez brings an impressive 11-fight winning streak to the Octagon, having not lost a fight since her UFC debut in 2019. This matchup presents a significant opportunity for Cortez to elevate her status in the division by facing a former champion.

Fight Dynamics

Namajunas is known for her well-rounded skill set, combining stellar grappling with improved striking abilities. Her experience against top-tier competition gives her a significant advantage. However, Namajunas' performance can sometimes be affected by her mental state going into fights, which could be a factor to watch.

Cortez, while less experienced against elite competition, has shown the ability to outpace her opponents and win decisive victories. Her key to success will be to avoid Namajunas' power and maintain a high work rate throughout the fight.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET
Prelims Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and SiriusXM Fight Nation

This Fight Night event is crucial for both fighters. Namajunas aims to solidify her position in the flyweight division and potentially work towards a title shot, while Cortez sees this as a chance to make a significant leap in her career by defeating a former champion.

The co-main event features a welterweight clash between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov, promising an exciting night of fights for UFC fans.