Denver, Colorado is the location for your fix of UFC action this weekend and a former champion will take on a surging contender at flyweight.
Rose Namajunas is one of the sports most popular female stars however the past two years have been turbulent to say the least. The two time strawweight champion lost her belt via split decision to Carla Esparza in May 2022. The fight is widely regarded as the worst title bout in UFC history. After the defeat Namajunas looked to rejuvenate her career and chase a second division title at 125lbs. Jumping in at the deep end Namajunas faced Manon Fiorot at UFC Paris in September 2023 and was second best suffering a loss in her first visit to flyweight. Alternatively, this year has started positively with a flyweight win over Amanda Ribas back in March.
This weekend Tracy Cortez steps up on short notice to take on the two time champion. Cortez is unbeaten in the UFC after 5 fights but it is inactivity that has prevented a title charge. Since joining the UFC in 2019, 5 years ago it has been 1 fight each year and none have come with a finish. The opportunity for Cortez is unbelievable but the challenge itself is immense.
Denver is treated to some emerging prospects across the card on Saturday. Gabriel Bonfim is eager to return to winning ways after suffering his first career loss last time out. Joshua Van and Christian Rodriguez are both relishing their careers in the UFC so far, Rodriguez faces the vastly experienced Julian Erosa and Van will be tested by the battle worn veteran Charles Johnson. On the main card sits a lightweight contest almost guaranteed to win fight of the night with two fan favourites Drew Dober and Jean Silva.
UFC Denver
Main Card
Women’s Flyweight – Rose Namajunas vs Tracy Cortez
Result: Ross Namajunas defeats Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Highlights:
Welterweight – Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Muslim Salikhov
Result: Muslim Salikhov defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Highlights:
Lightweight – Drew Dober vs Jean Silva
Result: Jean Silva defeats Drew Dober by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 1:28 of Round 3
Highlights:
Welterweight – Gabriel Bonfim vs Ange Loosa
Result: Gabriel Bonfim defeats Ange Loosa by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Highlights:
Featherweight – Julian Erosa vs Christian Rodriguez
Result: Julian Erosa defeats Christian Rodriguez by submission (guillotine) in the first round
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Middleweight – Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Cody Brundage
Result: Abdul Razak Alhassan and Cody Brundage has been ruled a no-contest due to Cody Brundage not being able to continue after accidental blows to the back of the head
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Prelims
Flyweight – Joshua Van vs Charles Johnson
Result: Charles Johnson defeats Joshua Van in the Third Round by knockout
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Women’s Flyweight – Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Fatima Kline
Result: Jasmine Jasudavicius defeats Fatima Kline by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Highlights:
Bantamweight – Montel Jackson vs Da’Mon Blackshear
Result: Montel Jackson defeats Da’Mon Blackshear in the first round by knockout
Highlights:
Women’s Flyweight – Luana Santos vs Mariya Agapova
Result: Luana Santos defeats Mariya Agapova in the first round due to a submission (rear naked choke)
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Middleweight – Josh Fremd vs Andre Petroski
Result: Andre Petroski defeats Josh Fremd by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Welterweight – Evan Elder vs Darrius Flowers
Result: Evan Elder defeats Darrius Flowers by submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in Round 2
Highlights:
Featured image credits to Embed From UFC Website
