UFC Denver: Tracy Cortez Takes Center Stage

By: Joe Cardoso

The UFC comes to Denver on July 13th and brings a fighter with an inspirational story and a winning streak. Tracy Cortez from Phoenix, Arizona has won 10 in a row and is now taking on Rose Mamajunas who is not to be taken lightly herself. This card was so sad a few weeks ago, but props to the UFC for shaking the trees and making this into a solid card. It will be the first time in 6 years that Denver is a host city. With some of the negativity being thrown at women’s MMA, these ladies have a shot to shut a lot of that down, by putting on a show for the fans in the mile-high city.

Cortez is much more than a pretty face she is a fighter and has a ton of heart her passion for the sport is undeniable. Having followed her journey through the ranks from the start I have zero doubts she will make the most of this opportunity to be the main event and make it 6 wins in a row within the UFC. As for Rose, she is an excellent well-rounded fighter who can flip styles and be comfortable in all of them. She also has wins over some all-time greats on her resume. Rose is seen by many as the heavy favorite, but anything can happen when that bell rings.

Tracy Cortez can get busy on the mat so the advantage in wrestling goes to her and if she gets Rose to the ground that will be a key to her grabbing a win. Other factors to consider especially for you gambling folks are the thin Denver air, and that this fight is 5 rounds were as Tracy was training not too long ago for a 3 round Vegas fight. Just keep that in mind. With Rose being so good at striking it is super important for Tracy to limit the hits and stay quick on her feet. People are starting to question some of the wins on Tracy’s resume so this short-notice fight versus a proven fighter is big time.

This is a shot to put herself as a main contender in the flyweight division. And if you have been following Tracy you know once she steps in the octagon only one person will be on her mind, her brother who tragically passed away due to germ cell cancer in 2011. Having that type of fuel can be just what is needed to pull off what would be an upset.

In a recent interview heading into the fight, Cortez said “I thrive off the pressure. I’ve always been judged and overlooked and just a pretty face. I’m here now. The record speaks for itself, and I thrive off of it. I love it. I genuinely love the pressure. I feel like I perform. I embrace it to the fullest,”.

The underdog from the land of the rising sun gets her shot to put the UFC world on notice that she is here and not going anywhere. Will she pull it off? I think she can #TeamCortez Catch the action on Saturday.