MMA Preview – Rose Namajunas vs Tracy Cortez at UFC on ESPN 59
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ROSE NAMAJUNAS VS TRACY CORTEZ FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 59? Sunday 14th July, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 59? Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 59? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 59 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 59? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ROSE NAMAJUNAS VS TRACY CORTEZ LOWDOWN
Rose Namajunas (12-6) makes the walk for her third fight at flyweight. She decided to move up after that embarrassment of a title fight with Carla Esparza (2022) where neither fighter deserved to win. She ended up giving her belt up in a limp split decision and went on to meet Manon Fiorot (2023) in Paris. It was a rude awakening for the former champ getting outclassed in a unanimous decision however, she bounced back with a classy unanimous decision of her own against Amanda Ribas (2024) at UFC on ESPN 53.
She was preparing for the surging Maycee Barber who had to pull out. Up steps Tracy Cortez (11-1) who emerges for her annual UFC appearance. She has not set the division alight, but she is piling the wins up with decisions over Vanessa Melo (2019), Stephanie Egger (2020), Justine Kish (2021), Melissa Gatto (2022) and Jasmine Jasudavicius (2023) extending her win streak to 11.
ROSE NAMAJUNAS VS TRACY CORTEZ PREDICTION
It is a shame Cortez is not more active as she has a very high ceiling. She has always been a strong wrestler with quality jiu-jitsu, but her improved striking was on full display in her last fight. She had the confidence to stand for three rounds and her basics were very effective.
Expect her to show off her calf kick, rapid 1-2, left hook and overhand right. They worked well against the wrestler Jasudavicius, but if she thinks she will have the same success against Namajunas, she may have a rude awakening.
Namajunas is way too slick and adaptive on the feet to get broken down by the fundamentals. The longer they remain standing, the more data Namajunas will have to get the read she needs to set up traps with her hands and head kicks.
If Cortez is smart, she will only use her striking to set-up the takedown. She is a better wrestler and has the technique and weight to subdue the former champion. That said, Cortez needs to be unpredictable as Namajunas can wrestle and has dangerous jiu-jitsu herself.
We can see this being a razor-thin decision even if Cortez tries to wrestle for five rounds. We expect feisty striking exchanges and a lot of clinch work. The more grappling there is, the more chance Cortez has in swaying the judges and the more striking there is, the more chance Namajunas has.
When a close decision is likely, always back the underdog but we are leaning towards Namajunas keeping the fight on the feet long enough to convince the judges.
Prediction: Namajunas via Decision
Value Bet: Cortez via Decision