Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez: UFC Denver Odds, Prediction

“Thug Rose” rebounded from a three-round unanimous decision loss to Manon Fiorot in her flyweight debut last September at UFC Paris by claiming a five-round unanimous decision over veteran Amanda Ribas in the main event at UFC Vegas 89, ending her first two-fight losing streak in a decade and boosting her to No. 6 in the rankings. Cortez has been idle since claiming a three-round unanimous decision last September at UFC Noche, extending her current win streak to 11 fights.

Thug Rose has emerged as a solid -225 favourite on the UFC Denver odds, well ahead of Cortez, who trails as a +180 bet while the odds of this clash going a full five rounds are listed at a short -250.

Rose Namajunas Odds

It has been over two years since Namajunas lost her UFC women’s strawweight crown to Carla Esparza by split decision at UFC 274, and the 32-year-old has entered the octagon just twice over that stretch. However, that has not slowed down Thug Rose, who arguable deserved a better fate in her loss to Fiorot and showed flashes of her former championship form while out-striking Ribas by a 93-83 margin in her recent win. More important was the success that Thug Rose had with level changes, maintaining control for almost seven minutes to seal the win. That ground game will be crucial against Cortex, who has recorded 14 total takedowns in six UFC fights. However, her ability to end opponents with her fists and feet should not be underestimated considering the two first-round KOs she recorded while UFC women’s strawweight champion.

Tracy Cortez Odds

While Cortez is currently enjoying an 11-fight win streak, Namajunas likely represents the biggest challenge of her career. The 30-year-old American has enjoyed success fighting as both a flyweight and bantamweight and is equally adept at fighting on the the mat or on her feet. Despite her impressive control numbers, asserting her dominance against an accomplished grappler will be easier said than done. Indeed, Cortez must do a better job of defending against takedowns after being brought to the mat five times in her past two fights.

UFC Denver Prediction: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez

Namajunas and Cortez match up very well, setting the stage for an entertaining main event that should feature a mix of fisticuffs and grappling. However, Cortez’ lack of experience in championship rounds could be a real problem against a former champion like Thug Rose, who has seen three of her past four fights go a full five rounds.

Prediction: Thug Rose by KO/TKO or DQ (+350)