In a surprising and dramatic turn of events, UFC fighter Tracy Cortez took an unusual step to ensure she made weight for her upcoming fight against Rose Namajunas.
After several attempts to cut weight proved unsuccessful, Cortez resorted to cutting off a significant portion of her hair to shed the final half-pound needed to qualify for the fight.
Struggle at the Scales
Tracy Cortez, a 30-year-old flyweight fighter, faced a tough challenge at the weigh-in on Friday for her highly anticipated Saturday fight against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
Initially, Cortez weighed 127 pounds, one pound over the flyweight limit. Despite further attempts to cut weight through traditional methods, she managed to get down to 126.5 pounds, still half a pound over the required limit.
In a desperate bid to gain weight, Cortez cut off a handful of her hair. This impromptu haircut enabled her to meet the 126-pound requirement, allowing the fight to proceed as planned.
The decision was made backstage, where Cortez, visibly emotional and determined, told her team to “just fg chop it,” according to Nolan King of USA Today.
Emotional Victory
Cortez’s drastic measures paid off, and she successfully gained weight. She teared up as she stood on the scale, holding her freshly cut hair, and weighed in at the required 126 pounds.
The haircut ensured that the fight would continue and gave Cortez a stylish new long bob. Her emotional reaction highlighted the immense pressure and dedication of making weight for a professional fight.
Upcoming Fight
With the weight issue resolved, Tracy Cortez and Rose Namajunas are set to face off in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Denver. The event at the Ball Arena was initially supposed to feature Namajunas against Maycee Barber.
However, Cortez stepped in as a replacement after Barber withdrew in June due to multiple health issues.
Cortez boasts an impressive 11-1 record since joining the UFC in 2019, with five of those victories coming in official UFC contests.
Her only other scheduled fight this year, against Miranda Maverick, was canceled. In contrast, Namajunas, who has a 13-6 record over her 11-year professional career, won her last fight against Amanda Ribas by unanimous decision in March.
This about will mark Cortez’s first since September 2023, when she beat Jasmine Jasudavicius at Noche UFC.
Weigh-In Drama
The weigh-ins, held at the UFC host hotel in Denver, were eventful and filled with drama. While Namajunas had no issues making weight, coming in at 124.75 pounds, Cortez’s initial weigh-in attempts were unsuccessful.
She had until the end of the weigh-in window to meet the weight requirement, leading to her decision to cut her hair.
This dramatic moment was reminiscent of past weigh-in struggles, showcasing the extreme measures fighters sometimes take to meet their weight class limits.
Cortez’s determination and willingness to do whatever it took to make weight highlighted her commitment to the sport and her upcoming fight.
Reaction and Aftermath
Cortez’s drastic move drew significant attention, both for the unusual method of weight cutting and for the emotional impact it had on her. “No hesitation,” Cortez said to Sportsnet after the weigh-in. “I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
This level of dedication is not uncommon in mixed martial arts, where fighters often go to great lengths to gain weight and ensure their fights proceed as scheduled.
Her opponent, Namajunas, is a seasoned fighter and former strawweight champion looking to make a mark in the flyweight division. Initially slated to fight Maycee Barber, Namajunas had to adjust to facing Cortez, who stepped in on short notice.
Key Details of the Event
The UFC Fight Night event in Denver includes several other notable fights:
- Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov in the welterweight co-main event
- Drew Dober vs. Jean Silva at lightweight
- Gabriel Bonfim vs. Ange Loosa at welterweight
- Julian Erosa vs. Christian Rodriguez at featherweight
- Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage at middleweight
The preliminary card also features matches such as:
- Charles Johnson vs. Joshua Van at flyweight
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Fatima Kline at flyweight
- Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Montel Jackson at bantamweight
- Mariya Agapova vs. Luana Santos at flyweight
- Josh Fremd vs. Andre Petroski at middleweight
- Evan Elder vs. Darrius Flowers at welterweight
Weight-Cutting Challenges
Weight-cutting is a common yet challenging aspect of mixed martial arts. Fighters employ various methods to shed the necessary pounds, including saunas, fasting, and intense exercise.
However, cutting hair as a last resort is rare and highlights the lengths Cortez was willing to go. This decision underscored the immense pressure fighters face to gain weight and the potential consequences if they fail.
Broader Implications for Cortez
Tracy Cortez’s decision to cut her hair to make weight for her fight against Rose Namajunas underscores the intense dedication and sacrifice involved in professional mixed martial arts.
This dramatic weigh-in moment added excitement and anticipation for the UFC Fight Night event in Denver. As Cortez steps into the octagon with a fresh haircut and determination, fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying fight.
The determination and resilience displayed by Tracy Cortez in her weight-cutting efforts are a testament to the high stakes and pressure of professional fighting.
Her willingness to take drastic measures to ensure the fight could go as planned highlights the dedication and commitment required to succeed in the UFC. As she prepares to face Rose Namajunas, the MMA community watches with bated breath to see if her sacrifice will pay off in the octagon.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo Sports and ESPN.
