Career Averages - Tracy Cortez
Career Averages - Wang Cong
Tracy Cortez
Wang Cong
Tracy Cortez - Fight History
AJ picks Kong Wang to win, citing her elite kickboxing, takedown defense, and improved grappling. He believes Wang's striking will be too much for Tracy Cortez, who relies on wrestling. He notes Wang survived a bad position against Eduardo Mora and expects her to fend off takedowns and out-strike Cortez.
AJ is not very interested in betting this fight but leans toward Wang winning by decision. He notes that Wang by decision at +250 is a possibility, though he thinks Cortez might try takedowns but Wang's ground game is underrated. He mentions the fight is expected to go over 2.5 rounds.
AJ picks Wang Cong, citing her superior kickboxing, speed, and elusiveness. He acknowledges the takedown threat from Cortez but believes Wang's takedown defense and ability to get back up will be key. AJ expects a close decision win for Wang, though he notes there are more confident bets on the card.
AJ leans toward Wang Cong, noting her striking is sick and fast, and her getup is fine. He thinks Cortez's takedowns and control don't bring a massive sub threat, so Wang should be chilling. He also mentions Wang survived Eduarda Moura's jiu-jitsu which is better than Cortez's.
AJ picks Wang Cong nervously, indicating a hesitant lean. No further reasoning is provided in the transcript.
Angelo leans towards Wang Cong, citing her superior striking and rapid improvement, while Tracy Cortez has stagnated. He notes Tracy's wrestling is good but Wang's takedown defense is improving. He thinks the fight will be one-sided either way, with Wang likely winning by striking.
Angelo picks Wang Cong because she is a former professional kickboxer with fast, powerful striking and improved takedown defense. He believes Tracy Cortez's only path is grinding out a decision with wrestling, but judges may favor Cong's striking. He notes that Cong has multiple ways to win while Cortez has only one, and the line movement makes sense.
Big Brady leans towards Cortez as a live dog, citing her grappling advantage. He notes Wang Cong has terrible grappling and ground game, as seen in the Mara fight, while Cortez has excellent control and a big butt that makes it hard to get her off. However, he worries Cortez might not care anymore. He sees the path: take Wang down, win rounds. He might bet Cortez by decision.
Big Brady picks Tracy Cortez to win by decision. He criticizes Wang Cong's poor ground game, citing rookie mistakes in her last fight, and believes Cortez's wrestling and top control will be decisive. He notes Cortez's underrated striking and ability to keep opponents down once she takes them down. He expresses slight concern about Cortez's motivation but sees her as the clear pick.
Big Brady passes on this fight after missing the line on Cortez at plus money. He thinks Cortez should win due to her ground advantage but is worried about her mentality and infrequent fighting. He does not make a pick.
Cody picks Tracy Cortez, emphasizing her wrestling background and ability to take down opponents. He notes Wang Cong's striking credentials but questions her takedown defense and durability. He believes Cortez can grind out a win.
Daniel Levi picks Tracy Cortez to upset Wang Cong, contingent on Cortez implementing her wrestling. He notes Cortez's skills are there but her mental focus is questionable. Levi believes Cortez can get a submission or win a decision if she is mentally prepared, but acknowledges Wang Cong's striking advantage and Cortez's potential distractions.
Jacob picks Wang Cong, noting that Tracy Cortez is solid but doesn't excel anywhere and has squeaked by against lesser competition. He believes Cong's takedown defense has improved and if she defends takedowns, Cortez will be in trouble. He thinks Cortez is too willing to exchange on the feet and goes to wrestling too late.
Lucrative James picks Tracy Cortez via decision, citing her superior wrestling and grappling. He acknowledges Wang's striking advantage but believes Cortez can take Wang down and control her, as Wang's bottom game was exposed against Eduarda Moura. He notes Wang's slow-building style and Cortez's durability, predicting a close fight where Cortez's grappling edge wins rounds.
The host believes Cortez's grappling and experience will prevail. He expects her to find spots to drag Wang to the ground and make it look easier as the fight goes deeper, winning by decision.
The host believes Cortez's wrestling will be the decisive factor, as she can take Wang down and grind her out. He acknowledges Wang's striking advantage but thinks the grappling gap is wider, and Cortez's cardio will hold up better than Wang's previous opponents.
Paul has no pick for this fight, calling it a 'pick 'em' and saying he will steer clear entirely. He notes question marks around both fighters and does not have a take.
The MMA Guru picks Wang Cong to win by TKO finish. He believes Wang Cong is more committed and has better striking than Tracy Cortez. He notes that Cortez is decent but has other options, while fighting is everything to Wang Cong. He expects Wang Cong to unload shots and finish Cortez.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erin Blanchfield | 0 | 52 of 116 | 44% | 65 of 134 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 1 | 2:43 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 46 of 104 | 44% | 50 of 108 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erin Blanchfield | 0 | 43 of 92 | 46% | 43 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 32 of 76 | 42% | 33 of 77 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Erin Blanchfield | 0 | 9 of 24 | 37% | 22 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 1 | 2:43 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 14 of 28 | 50% | 17 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erin Blanchfield | 52 of 116 | 44% | 38 of 100 | 6 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 51 of 115 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 46 of 104 | 44% | 35 of 88 | 7 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 45 of 100 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erin Blanchfield | 43 of 92 | 46% | 32 of 80 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 42 of 91 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 32 of 76 | 42% | 25 of 64 | 4 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 31 of 72 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Erin Blanchfield | 9 of 24 | 37% | 6 of 20 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 14 of 28 | 50% | 10 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Blanchfield (-258), Cortez (+210)
Round 1
Blake Grice is the referee. Cortez lands a jab and Blanchfield answers with an inside leg kick. Cortez is firing off combinations early as Blanchfield moves forward. Cortez fires off a 1-2 and Blanchfield counters. Cortez connects with a left as Blanchfild moves forward. Cortez is doing well with her handspeed and combinations thus far. Cortez fends off Blanchfield with a knee to the body. Blanchfield pumps her jab in Cortez’s face. A nice body kick lands for Blanchfield and the flyweights exchnage in the pocket. Cortez pressures behind punches. B lanchfield connects with a jab but Cortez continues to find the range on her right hand. No takedowns attempted yet, as Cortez follows a combination with a knee. Blanchfield works behind her jab. Cortez with a knee inside, but Blanchfiled answers with a combination. Another knee down the middle lands for Cortez. Blanchfield sticks the jab again. Blanchfiled counters a body kick. They trade jabs late in the round. Blanchfield ends the frame with a long right hand and a short elbow from the clinch just before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 2
Cortez gets right to work, firing off punches in the center of the cage. A straight right lands for Cortez. Cortez is the first to shoot and she gets her opponent down. However, Blanchfield is able to reverse off an errant back take by Cortez. Cortez stands but Blanchfield has a body lock. Blanchfield grinds away against the fence, applying pressure. Blanchfield attempts to change levels, but Cortez is doing well to stay upright. They break at the 2:45 mark. Cortez lands anotehr solid combination. A stiff jab finds the mark for Blanchfield. A counter right from Cortez follows a front kick by Blanchfield. Cortez catches a body kick but it landed nonetheless. Blanchfield forces the clinch and trips Cortez down for her first takedown of the bout. Blanchfield is thinking about an arm triangle choke but she’s in half guard near the fence. Blanchfield flurries with short shots as Cortez stands. Blanchfield keeps the pressure on near the fence. Blanchfield connects her hands and drives Cortez down all the way across the Octagon. Cortez quickly hustles to her feet, but she doesn’t defend the rear-naked choke from her opponent.
Blanchfield drags Cortez down, and even though “Cold Blooded” is off to the side, the choke is more than tight enough to elicit a tap.
Not only is Blanchfield the first woman to finish Cortez in UFC competition, but she avenges a loss that occurred under the Invicta FC banner in February 2019.
The Official Result
Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 4:44
Angelo picks Erin Blanchfield despite considering Tracy Cortez's wrestling. He values Blanchfield's relentless pressure and scrambling ability. He notes Cortez is often at events and may not be training enough. He suggests over 2.5 rounds and a plus 3.5 bet on Cortez as possibilities.
Big Brady leans Erin Blanchfield, believing her grappling advantage will be decisive. He notes Tracy Cortez has only 62% takedown defense and has been taken down multiple times by Rose Namajunas and others. Brady thinks Blanchfield's top control and submission skills are superior once the fight hits the ground, and predicts a decision win. He acknowledges the line is wide and a case can be made for Cortez.
Cody picks Blanchfield, noting that she has improved significantly since their first fight six years ago, especially her striking. He points out that Cortez has not evolved and has been inactive. Cody believes Blanchfield's wrestling and pressure will be too much, and she will win by decision. He also mentions that Blanchfield is younger and more motivated.
Connor also leans toward Cortez, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Cortez is an inch taller than Blanchfield, which is surprising, and that Blanchfield's aggressive style may lead to her giving things away. He thinks Cortez can win out scrambles and that Blanchfield's one-size-fits-all approach may not work.
Daniel sees Blanchfield as the more evolved fighter since their first fight, with relentless pressure and a never-quit attitude. He notes that Cortez struggles when she is the nail, while Blanchfield has shown she can overcome adversity. He expects Blanchfield to avenge her loss and continue her rise.
Lucrative James picks Erin Blanchfield to win, citing her superior grappling and submission skills. He believes Cortez will engage in wrestling, which plays into Blanchfield's strengths, as she is a better MMA grappler and dangerous from top position. He notes Blanchfield's ability to submit opponents from any position, as seen in her previous win over Cortez. He expects Blanchfield to win via submission or dominant decision.
Blanchfield lands bigger shots on the feet and eventually lands takedowns for control and BJJ superiority. Cortez may be the better wrestler on paper, but Blanchfield gets her hand raised on the scorecards.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing that Blanchfield's striking has improved the most. He notes that Cortez's takedown defense is not great and that Blanchfield will likely control the fight. Paul also mentions that Blanchfield has a home-field advantage and that the fight will likely go to decision. He likes the over 2.5 rounds prop.
The Guru picks Erin Blanchfield to win by 29-28 decision. He believes Blanchfield's grappling and physicality will be decisive, though she may lose the first round. He criticizes Cortez's focus on appearance (fake eyelashes) and notes Blanchfield's win over Rose Namajunas as a better benchmark. Blanchfield should mix in takedowns and control later rounds.
Zane leans toward Cortez, noting that Cortez has a win over Blanchfield and is a very good scrambler and grappler. He thinks Blanchfield's aggressive style might play into Cortez's hands, as Cortez is comfortable in scrambles. However, he admits it's hard to get a grip on Cortez and that she is still developing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viviane Araújo | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 39 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:43 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 65 of 103 | 63% | 102 of 143 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 1 | 8:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viviane Araújo | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 15 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:43 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 15 of 20 | 75% | 23 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 2:52 | |
| 2 | Viviane Araújo | 0 | 12 of 29 | 41% | 17 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 25 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 | |
| 3 | Viviane Araújo | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 54 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viviane Araújo | 22 of 51 | 43% | 16 of 45 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 19 of 48 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 65 of 103 | 63% | 53 of 82 | 8 of 14 | 4 of 7 | 24 of 53 | 2 of 5 | 39 of 45 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viviane Araújo | 5 of 13 | 38% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 15 of 20 | 75% | 10 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 13 | |
| 2 | Viviane Araújo | 12 of 29 | 41% | 8 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 20 of 43 | 46% | 15 of 33 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 15 of 36 | 1 of 3 | 4 of 4 | |
| 3 | Viviane Araújo | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 30 of 40 | 75% | 28 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 23 of 28 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortez (-250), Araujo (+205)
Round 1
That one fight mentioned earlier that seems as close to a lock as one that goes the distance is here. After two finishes on the card thus far, women’s flyweights take center stage having combined for 17 straight decisions between them. Of the two, Araujo (13-6, 7-5 UFC) is the only woman in the Octagon now who has gotten the job done by stoppage in her UFC career. Arizona native Cortez (11-2, 5-1 UFC) cannot say the same, with her entire UFC tenure consisting of judges’ decisions. Nothing is guaranteed in the sport and anyone is capable of being caught, so fans hope that referee Jason Herzog will need to step in before the final horn blares. They elect not to touch ‘em up.
Cortez moves right to the center of the cage, and both women begin with low kicks and jabs. Cortez shoots for an early takedown, and Araujo staves her off and smacks her in the face with a right hand. This does not deter Cortez, who tries again, and this time, she gets her foe to the mat. Cortez partially takes Araujo’s back during the scramble, but Araujo turns around to briefly put Cortez on her back. Araujo puts Cortez on her knee against the cage, looking to slide a hook in. Araujo gets the second hook in, and she starts connecting with left hands to the eyelashes. Cortez hand-fights and tries to turn out of the bad position, but the Brazilian follows her. Cortez continues to turn herself about until she regains top position.
Cortez opens up with a few elbows from above, with Araujo bucking her off. Cortez leaps back down and belts Araujo with a right hand on the way down, and she positions herself in half guard. Araujo sits up and ignores a guillotine choke setup from the American. Cortez drops down a few 12-to-6 elbows before selling out for a choke attempt. Cortez loses the grip but is still mostly controlling, and she repositions her hands to pursue the sub again. Araujo keeps herself turned to the side until rolling all the way around using the fence to wall off until she is almost giving up north-south to her opponent. Cortez allows her to do this, as it opens up ground strikes for her with her left hand. Cortez stands up to find a way back in, and she connects with a few punches before attacking a power guillotine choke. Cortez pulls guard to lock the choke down, and Araujo flails to try to survive. Before she gets choked out, the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 2
The flyweights meet in the middle to engage in the second round, with Cortez leading the dance with a chopping low kick. Araujo skips her way forward behind her jab, but she bounces on her heels to prepare herself for the potential takedown. Both women trade right hands, with Cortez connecting the heavier of the two. Araujo backs off and hops forward with a right hand, but it is one-and-done as she is quite aware a takedown could come at any minute. Cortez stands her up with a spinning back elbow, and she flicks out a couple jabs for good measure. The jabs start to have a measurable effect on the Brazilian’s nose, who surges forward with a few punches extended. Araujo tosses aside the takedown that comes when Cortez backs herself to the wall.
Cortez fires off a one-two that sets up a takedown entry, only to back off when a head kick is aimed at her. Cortez gets off another one-two and a body kick, but it is Araujo who lands the cleaner with a heavy counter. Cortez uses her jab to keep the advancing Brazilian at bay, switching stances to fake a level change that Araujo bites on. Cortez sells out for a takedown, using it to bully Araujo to the fencing. Araujo stays on her feet but takes a knee to the liver when defending. Cortez aims another to the same spot and drops down for a double. Araujo defends by jumping guard with a guillotine, and Cortez easily slides out. Cortez lets her to do this and drops down a thudding elbow. Araujo turns to set up an armbar, but Cortez fights out of it. Araujo pushes her off, and the ladies fight to their feet at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 3
The last round begins much like the second started, with jabs from both sides. Araujo pushes off with a front kick, and Cortez takes it like a champ and uses it to take the fight to the floor. When Cortez looks to establish top position, Araujo strikes from off her back. Cortez lets her have it with ground strikes, shifting her hips to half guard to keep the Brazilian flat on her back. Cortez embraces the grind.
The ladies start jawing at one another when in this position, and Cortez unleashes a storm of ground-and-pound. Araujo turns to her side to defend from the bombardment, but this opens up Cortez to an arm-triangle choke. Cortez is on the wrong side, and she loses the position when Araujo turns to her belly. Cortez follows her and takes her back with a hook in, and she sits up and elbows Araujo on the side and back of the head. Araujo turns to possibly pursue a single, or otherwise looks for a way out, but time is not on her side. Araujo complains about something, and when time expires, Cortez shoves her off aggressively. The Arizona native’s eyelashes remain intact after 15 minutes of combat, and her streak remains unbroken with decisions account for her whole UFC career.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (30-27 Cortez)
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (30-27 Cortez)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (30-27 Cortez)
The Official Result
Tracy Cortez def. Viviane Araujo via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo slightly picks Tracy Cortez because he expects her grappling to wear down Viviane Araújo as the fight goes on, given Araújo's cardio fades and she is 38 years old. He acknowledges that Araújo is the better striker and has good takedown defense, but thinks Cortez can grind out a win. He also suggests the over on the round line is a safe bet, noting that women's fights often go over.
Big Brady thinks Cortez is the better striker and younger, and expects the fight to take place at distance where Cortez will outland Araújo. He notes Araújo has been outlanded at distance in recent fights and is 38 years old. Brady believes Cortez can also mix in takedowns. However, he is surprised by the -230 line, thinking it's too wide, but still picks Cortez to win by decision.
Connor also picks Cortez, agreeing with Zane. He notes Araujo's predictability and that she may be losing a step. Cortez's boxing and ability to stay on the front foot should be enough to win.
The host is leaning Cortez, believing her wrestling will break down Araújo and lead to dominant second and third rounds, winning on the scorecards.
The host picks Tracy Cortez but is hesitant, expecting a close competitive decision. He notes that Cortez has crisper boxing while Araújo is more well-rounded, and that the fight is likely to be a 29-28 decision. He is tempted by Araújo's underdog odds but ultimately goes with Cortez, believing the judges will favor her in a close fight.
Zane picks Cortez, noting her determination and progression in striking, especially in the Namajunas fight. He sees Araujo as a one-idea fighter who relies on speed and can be outworked. Cortez's willingness to box and better top control give her the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rose Namajunas | 1 | 96 of 180 | 53% | 119 of 215 | 5 of 5 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 6:36 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 58 of 198 | 29% | 85 of 233 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rose Namajunas | 1 | 26 of 50 | 52% | 30 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:28 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 12 of 43 | 27% | 14 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rose Namajunas | 0 | 26 of 46 | 56% | 27 of 48 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 11 of 41 | 26% | 12 of 42 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 3 | Rose Namajunas | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 15 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:47 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 4 | Rose Namajunas | 0 | 11 of 28 | 39% | 17 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 12 of 44 | 27% | 15 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 | |
| 5 | Rose Namajunas | 0 | 28 of 44 | 63% | 30 of 46 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 |
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 21 of 61 | 34% | 36 of 81 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rose Namajunas | 96 of 180 | 53% | 66 of 146 | 17 of 20 | 13 of 14 | 93 of 175 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 58 of 198 | 29% | 31 of 162 | 14 of 17 | 13 of 19 | 52 of 189 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rose Namajunas | 26 of 50 | 52% | 16 of 39 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 26 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 12 of 43 | 27% | 4 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 10 | 12 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rose Namajunas | 26 of 46 | 56% | 16 of 33 | 5 of 7 | 5 of 6 | 25 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 11 of 41 | 26% | 7 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rose Namajunas | 5 of 12 | 41% | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 2 of 9 | 22% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Rose Namajunas | 11 of 28 | 39% | 8 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 12 of 44 | 27% | 7 of 37 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 40 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Rose Namajunas | 28 of 44 | 63% | 21 of 37 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 28 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tracy Cortez | 21 of 61 | 34% | 12 of 50 | 6 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 58 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Namajunas (-218), Cortez (+180)
Round 1
We have reached the main event to conclude the patchwork but still entertaining fight card. Former strawweight queen Namajunas (12-6, 10-5 UFC) prepared to fight on home soil, and she initially planned on facing Amanda Ribas. With this show shredded due to multiple fighter withdrawals, including the main attraction, it now falls to Cortez (11-1, 5-0 UFC) to pick up the reins in the blue corner. Cortez puts her lengthy win streak on the line, while Namajunas hopes to cement herself as a contender in her new weight class. The two will be joined in the cage by referee Herb Dean, who brings them together to tap gloves. It’s go time. Cortez shifts right to the center of the cage to begin, and they both pursue leg kicks early on. Both women land them, but Namajunas’ are far heavier. Namajunas prods out a jab and is met with a calf kick on the inside, and she connects with a one-two that catches Cortez by surprise. A leg kick from Cortez is countered by a right hand, and Namajunas reaches her right after with a front kick and a left hook. Cortez changes stances to work her way in, but Namajunas’ strikes are sharper and having a much more significant effect. “Thug Rose” puts Cortez on her seat courtesy of a stunning left hook, and she pounces to reach her foe’s guard. Namajunas lands a few strikes from above before abandoning this track and backing off to stand back up. Cortez follows her, and she walks right into a right hand. Cortez tries to crash the pocket to get her back, but the jabs from Namajunas are accurate and constant. Cortez attacks with a body kick, and she pulls back with a knee as she is nearly reached with a quick counter. Namajunas fires off a one-two as Cortez nods at her, and she pops out a jab and blocks a high kick. Namajunas’ jab is her best weapon, shutting down much of Cortez’ offense, although Cortez does get off a hard right hand when the two exchange. One after another, they land low kicks, and Namajunas lunges with a right hand and follows it with a speedy jab. The leg kicks from Namajunas draw some hesitation from Cortez, who preemptively raises up her leg a few times in hopes of checking one. Namajunas gets off a few more punches, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Round 2
The second round begins with both ladies willing to engage, and they do just that. Namajunas lands a few punches, pulls back, and Cortez motions at her to bring on more. Cortez tries to counter, and Namajunas is out of position before getting reached. Cortez gets inside to land a pair of right hands, and Namajunas fires back with a left hook to force a break. Namajunas scores a left that makes Cortez blink rapidly, and Cortez gathers herself and tosses out a low kick. Namajunas chains a few punches together into a leg kick, and she is out of the way before she gets reached back. Namajunas beats Cortez to the punch on one exchange, and she whips a kick up and around the guard to slam Cortez in the face. Cortez sits down on a few punches, and she strikes her way into a takedown effort. Namajunas defends it, and Cortez slides around to take the back standing. Namajunas slips out of the dangerous position, and Cortez sets up a standing guillotine choke. Namajunas calmly works her way out of the submission try, and she lands a right hand on the break. Namajunas lances out a stunning right hand, and Cortez takes a moment before deciding what next to do. Lashing out with a left and two right hands, Cortez strikes back, and Namajunas slips out of the pocket and pops her with a quick counter. “Thug Rose” sneaks in a jab and is out of range in time to avoid anything possibly flying her direction. Namajunas dips and reaches with another jab, and she walks through a front kick to put two punches on the chin. They both miss with front kicks, and Namajunas lands a thudding leg kick. Namajunas rushes forward, hitting a trip with the body lock and putting Cortez on her back for a few seconds before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Round 3
Namajunas is quick to get things going, and Cortez answers her with intensity and several powerful strikes. Namajunas nails her foe with a body kick and a few punches, and when Cortez swings back, Namajunas hits an easy takedown and even more easily moves into full mount. Cortez scoots her way to the fence, and she tries to hand-fight to defend herself from most of the ground strikes. Namajunas stays heavy and lands a few strikes, and when Cortez scrambles, Namajunas sets up a guillotine choke in response. Cortez fights out of it and wall-walks to get back to her feet, and they jockey for position in the clinch. Cortez tries for her own trip, and Namajunas muscles her opponent to the mat. Namajunas slips into three-quarter mount practically when landing, maintaining a dominant position until getting full mount. Cortez uses two-on-one wrist control to try to hang onto Namajunas’ left arm, and Namajunas shakes out of the grip and drops down some ground-and-pound. Cortez pushes her feet off the wall to get some space, and Namajunas follows her to take the back and briefly fish for a rear-naked choke. Namajunas resides on the back with a hook in, and she wrenches on a half nelson with Cortez’ arm in the air before moving into a more traditional position of half guard. Cortez looks to sit up and manages to climb back up to her feet, and Namajunas backs off to reset. Namajunas misses with a one-two, but a front kick from “Thug Rose” makes Cortez take a quick count of her teeth. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Round 4
Namajunas jabs early and often as the two reach the championship rounds. Cortez replies with two probing low kicks, and she chases after Namajunas and kicks her in the head. Namajunas eats it like an edible and punches her way into the clinch, where she presses the Arizona native to the fencing. Cortez knees her way out of the tie-up and walks “Thug Rose” down, but she does not throw anything of note. Instead, it is Namajunas who attempts a strike, albeit an inaccurate head kick. Cortez has her head snapped back from a jab, and she cannot pay Namajunas back before Namajunas is out of the way. Cortez lands a body shot and is countered, and she puts her hands together but soon finds herself on the canvas when Namajunas succeeds in tripping her up with a double. Cortez uses the fence to climb back to her feet, not letting Namajunas take her back this time when they scramble, but she is stuck against the wall. Namajunas backs away to return to her preferred jabbing range, and she jabs and clips Cortez with a left hook. Namajunas lands, dodges and lands again, with Cortez hitting air much of the time. Cortez has a body kick miss, and Namajunas’ head movement and footwork are giving her fits. Namajunas pokes out a jab, and Cortez shoots for a double and pushes Namajunas to the wall. Namajunas stands up after being dragged to a knee, and Cortez presses tightly against her, ignoring a knee to the belly so she can give one back. The round ends, and Cortez appears dismayed as she walks to her corner.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Namajunas
Round 5
The final round begins with Cortez knowing she has to finish the fight or lose. She decides that it is time to throw down, and she walks Namajunas down and slings punches. Namajunas meets her in the middle swinging hands, and both women crack one another with powerful blows. As Namajunas lands a particularly effective strike, Cortez pushes forward to change levels. Namajunas spins her around once her back hits the fence, and Cortez fights out of it. Namajunas stays light on her feet, jabbing and dodging anything of note that comes her direction. Namajunas sits down on a right hand, and Cortez appears fired up from it as she swings back harder. This allows Namajunas to get up close and personal so she can drag her towards the fence, but Cortez wants nothing to do with clinching and she frantically pulls away. Namajunas hits a takedown after shooting from a distance, and Cortez climbs to one knee and then back to her feet, all while backing her way to the cage. Cortez gets away, and both women throw hands and catch one another with left hooks. Cortez points at the ground to signal a brawl, and Namajunas ignores the calls for it and circles away. Namajunas laughs at a second effort from Cortez pointing at the floor, and Cortez is forced to walk after her. Cortez lands several heavy punches, including a few big right hands, and Namajunas has to shake them off. Cortez keeps going forward, loading up with everything she has left, and Namajunas slips a few, eats some more and gives some back. Cortez reaches her with an uppercut and gets knocked back with a left hook, and she raises her arms in the air to bring on more. Namajunas shoots for a takedown, and Cortez stops it and swings for the bleachers. Her forward momentum results in a final clinch, and the evening ends not with a band but a whimper. The one-sided occasion comes to a close, with zero doubt as to who will get their hand raised. The only question is who will be next for former champ Namajunas, who is a bonafide contender in her new division and calls for a title shot. Meanwhile, the long win streak for Cortez grinds to a halt. No matter who they fight next, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (49-46 Namajunas)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (49-46 Namajunas)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (49-46 Namajunas)
The Official Result
Rose Namajunas def. Tracy Cortez via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Angelo picks Rose Namajunas, citing her superior striking and overall skill. He believes Tracy Cortez's path to victory is through wrestling, but doubts she can take Rose down for 25 minutes, especially since Cortez was training for a three-round fight and now faces five rounds at elevation. He notes that Rose was taken down four times by Amanda Ribas, but Ribas used clinch tosses rather than traditional shots, which are easier to defend. Angelo plans to have multiple bets on Rose.
Cody picks Rose Namajunas, citing her experience at altitude, full camp, and superior striking. He notes Tracy Cortez's inactivity and short notice, and believes Rose's wrestling defense and offensive takedowns will be key. He expects a decision win for Rose.
Daniel Vreeland picks Tracy Cortez to upset Rose Namajunas. He argues that Cortez has a legitimate wrestling background, which historically gives Rose trouble, and that Rose is a 'hot and cold' fighter who struggles when faced with adversity. He notes Cortez's 11-fight win streak and that she was already preparing for a fight next week, so short notice isn't a major issue. He also mentions Rose's age and mileage, suggesting she may be slowing down. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and prefers the plus 185 underdog.
Rose Namajunas has the striking advantage and the cardio edge, especially at altitude. Cortez will land some takedowns, but over 25 minutes, Namajunas will land better strikes and even some takedowns of her own late, cruising to a decision. The line is a bit wide, but the former champion reigns supreme.
Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing Rose's full camp, altitude advantage, and five-round experience. He points out that Cortez's wrestling has been neutralized by upper-echelon opponents and that Rose's scrambling ability will nullify takedowns. He sees Rose winning by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 103 of 212 | 48% | 116 of 225 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 0 | 77 of 206 | 37% | 95 of 225 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 3:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 39 of 75 | 52% | 39 of 75 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 0 | 24 of 63 | 38% | 25 of 64 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 28 of 61 | 45% | 29 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 0 | 18 of 56 | 32% | 32 of 71 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:52 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 36 of 76 | 47% | 48 of 88 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 0 | 35 of 87 | 40% | 38 of 90 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 103 of 212 | 48% | 63 of 164 | 16 of 23 | 24 of 25 | 91 of 198 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 77 of 206 | 37% | 43 of 148 | 25 of 47 | 9 of 11 | 58 of 176 | 19 of 30 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 39 of 75 | 52% | 20 of 55 | 6 of 6 | 13 of 14 | 34 of 70 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 24 of 63 | 38% | 14 of 47 | 6 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 20 of 57 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 28 of 61 | 45% | 16 of 46 | 7 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 22 of 53 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 18 of 56 | 32% | 11 of 40 | 5 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 14 of 48 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 36 of 76 | 47% | 27 of 63 | 3 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 35 of 75 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jasmine Jasudavicius | 35 of 87 | 40% | 18 of 61 | 14 of 22 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 71 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortez (-120), Jasudavicius (+100)
Round 1
Women’s flyweights step into the spotlight, as Cortez (10-1, 4-0 UFC) looks to build on a 10-fight winning streak and continue her climb on the 125-pound ladder. Jasudavicius (9-2, 3-1 UFC) steps into the Octagon on the strength of back-to-back victories over Gabriella Fernandes and Miranda Maverick. Jason Herzog serves as the referee. Jasudavicius turns down the glove tap, preferring to get right down to business. They paw at one another with jabs, as Cortez unleashes an inside leg kick and eats a counter right hand from the Canadian. Cortez connects in combination, setting up her attacks with the jab. Jasudavicius lands with a heavy outside leg kick and nearly spins around the Arizonan. Cortez’s hands look considerably sharper. Jasudavicius lands on occasion but lacks the necessary oomph to give her opponent pause. Cortez sneaks in a right hand over the top, fires more punches and finishes a combination with a clean left hook. Cortez shuts down a takedown attempt, threatens the neck and delivers a knee on the exit. Jasudavicius clinches but gets nowhere, and the flyweight separate. Cortez continues to connect in combination until the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 2
Cortez re-asserts herself with a sharp one-two to start the middle stanza. She keeps a safe distance with a push kick to the body, scores with a leg kick and exits into open space. Cortez delivers a knee up the middle at close range and snaps the Canadian’s head sideways with a searing left hook. Jasudavicius needs a change of pace. She backs up Cortez with a pair of head kicks, then throw punches down the middle. Cortez goes headhunting and leaves herself open for a takedown. Jasudavicius takes top position midway through the second round. Cortez, however, wall walks to an upright position but allows her opponent to sneak behind her. Jasudavicius powers her way to another takedown and moves to half guard before chipping away with punches. Cortez builds a base again and gets back to her feet, bracing herself against the fence. Jasudavicius lingers in the clinch for too long and ends up with her back to the cage. They move into open space with 20 seconds left and exchange.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius
Round 3
It looks to be anyone’s fight as Round 3 gets underway. Cortez connects with a right hand over the top and follows it with a leg kick. Jasudavicius presses forward, shoots on the hips and clinches. She works hard for a takedown, only to fail initially. The Canadian pesters Cortez with knees to the head in close quarters but allows her to move to the center of the cage. A clean one-two from Cortez backs up Jasudavicius, energizing the crowd with her efforts. They exchange in the center of the cage. Jasudavicius moves into clinch once more and connects with a knee on the break. Cortez spending too much time moving backward but continues to land, especially with her right hand. Fatigue becoming a factor for both women. Jasudavicius follows a knee with a partially blocked head kick and punches. Trash talk ensues after Jasudavicius gets away with pulling the hair in the center of the cage. Cortez keeps her hands busy in the waning seconds. This one could go either way.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius (29-28 Jasudavicius)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-29 Cortez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-28 Cortez)
The Official Result
Tracy Cortez def. Jasmine Jasudavicius—Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Jasmine Jasudavicius, citing her superior wrestling credentials and ability to keep the fight standing. He notes Tracy Cortez has poor striking and relies on takedowns, but Jasmine's wrestling defense is strong. He acknowledges Cortez could win if she initiates takedowns, but favors Jasmine's toughness and recent form. He has a half-unit bet on her at +100.
Big Brady picks Cortez but acknowledges the fight could be close. He believes Cortez has better striking and grappling, especially top control, and that Jasudavicius has been outlanded at distance. He expects a decision and notes the crowd support for Cortez. However, he is hesitant due to the close line and the possibility of a wrestling stalemate.
Cody picks Jasudavicius, noting her wrestling base, grit, and improvement. He points out Cortez's inactivity, weight issues, and vulnerability in recent fights. He believes Jasudavicius can stuff takedowns and outwork Cortez on the feet.
Daniel Levi picks Jasmine Jasudavicius, citing her relentless pace and 'dog' mentality. He worries about Tracy Cortez's long layoff and mental health issues, and believes Jasmine will push the pace and potentially break Cortez in the later rounds. Levi acknowledges Cortez's technical wrestling advantage but thinks Jasmine's pressure and volume can win two rounds if she avoids being neutralized.
Cortez is one of the best wrestlers in the division, with excellent takedowns and top pressure. Jasudavicius is coming off an upset win over Miranda Maverick, but I think there's recency bias; Cortez is a step up in wrestling. Cortez should close the distance and impose her will, winning by decision. I've already bet her at minus 170 and think she's still a good spot up to that range.
Paul leans toward Jasudavicius as an underdog, citing her wrestling, durability, and recent wins as a dog. He notes Cortez's inactivity, weight cut issues, and close fights. He likes Jasudavicius's pace and thinks she can outwork Cortez.
The MMA Guru picks Jasmine Jasudavicius over Tracy Cortez, despite most people favoring Cortez. He believes Jasudavicius is more game, stronger, and tougher. He notes Cortez's split decision win over Justine Kish as a poor performance and highlights Jasudavicius's recent grappling dominance over Miranda Maverick. He expects Jasudavicius to win in the second and third rounds via stand-up fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 36 of 66 | 54% | 70 of 102 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 1 | 7:54 |
| Melissa Gatto | 0 | 30 of 73 | 41% | 49 of 95 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 3:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 23 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 3:16 |
| Melissa Gatto | 0 | 7 of 20 | 35% | 14 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 9 of 23 | 39% | 20 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:35 |
| Melissa Gatto | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 25 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 2:04 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 16 of 27 | 59% | 27 of 39 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:03 |
| Melissa Gatto | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:35 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 36 of 66 | 54% | 25 of 51 | 6 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 14 of 37 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 27 |
| Melissa Gatto | 30 of 73 | 41% | 25 of 61 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 5 | 27 of 69 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 11 of 16 | 68% | 8 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 9 |
| Melissa Gatto | 7 of 20 | 35% | 6 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 9 of 23 | 39% | 4 of 16 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Melissa Gatto | 15 of 35 | 42% | 13 of 30 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 16 of 27 | 59% | 13 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 14 |
| Melissa Gatto | 8 of 18 | 44% | 6 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortez (-155), Gatto (+125)
Round 1
The lone women’s flyweight match of the night comes between red-hot prospect Cortez (9-1, 3-0 UFC), who gets a huge pop from her hometown crowd, and the undefeated Gatto (8-0-2, 2-0 UFC). While Cortez has not suffered a loss since her pro debut in 2017, Gatto has yet to sample the bitter taste of defeat, although she does hold a pair of draws in 2017 and 2018 on her own ledger. Referee Jason Herzog takes charge of this matchup, and the ladies touch ‘em up to get things started knowing that someone’s unbeaten streak is about to come to a screeching halt. Bouncing back and forth towards one another, the first strike comes from Cortez in the form of a leg kick. Cortez springs back when Gatto loops a right hand at her, and she comes back with a leg kick. As Gatto rushes towards her to stop the kicks from landing, Cortez grabs hold of a double and slams Gatto on the mat. Keeping an offensive guard off her back, Gatto rolls and threatens when not keeping her guard tight around Cortez’ waist. Gatto throws her legs up in search of a triangle, and she switches over to isolate an arm. The Arizona native lifts Gatto in the air and slams her in the mat to slip her arm out, and she lowers herself back into Gatto’s guard. Gatto remains with a high guard, looking for another armbar as Cortez stacks her up. Cortez stands up and backs off, so Gatto follows her back to the feet. Gatto strings together a solid one-two, and she follows Cortez back with a leg kick. Cortez responds in kind, and Cortez steps in with a left hand on the jaw. Gatto bullies her to the wall, and lifts Cortez up but cannot toss her down. Instead, from behind, Gatto drags Cortez down and gets both hooks in to claim Cortez’ back. Cortez turns mightily through to wind up on top, and she slashes Gatto with a sharp elbow. Gatto sits up with her high guard, and she hunts for another armbar. Cortez slips her arm free and powers down a straight right hand, leading Gatto to close up the guard again. Cortez pushes Gatto up towards the fence in that corner position between the mat and the wall, and this keeps Gatto from getting any leverage. Cortez sits up with an elbow, and she stands back to lord over Gatto with low kicks. Cortez lets her up, and she sprints towards Gatto on the way as Herzog chides her for not letting her up and then allowing her to stand while punching her. The close round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 2
The ladies come out to emphatically touch gloves, and Cortez slings a front kick and one to the head as Gatto walks through it to launch a right hand. Cortez keeps her range and lands a single leg kick, and she hops back when Gatto leads off with a series of punches. The Brazilian pursues her own body lock to try to drag Cortez down, and Cortez lifts her up in the air with a thudding knee before pushing off. Gatto bobs forward, and a few punches bounce Cortez back to the wall. Cortez circles away and gets tagged with an overhand right, and Cortez responds with one body kick. Cortez tries to go for another kick to the same spot, and Gatto pushes through it to lift Cortez up and plant her on the ground. Gatto allows her to stand so that she can take Cortez’ back, and she yanks Cortez down with her to take her back. The Brazilian keeps one hook in, and she follows Cortez as Cortez rolls to her knees. Gatto secures the other hook and flattens Cortez out for a moment, where she beats on Cortez with snapping punches. Cortez turns through, and she winds up on her back in hopes of flipping her foe over. This time, Gatto meets this sweep attempt with an armbar, and Cortez calmly turns and follows through to slide her arm out of danger and put Gatto on her back. Gatto looks for her own sweep, and Cortez keeps the cage at her side so Gatto cannot flip her over. The unbeaten fighter hangs on to stifle any offense from Cortez, and Cortez breaks the grip to land one single shot before laying heavily chest-to-chest. The American drives down an elbow, and Gatto throws her legs up to hunt for a triangle with seconds to spare. Cortez lands one right hand and then springs back to stand up. Gatto follows her up, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gatto
Round 3
There is a clap of hands to start off the last round, and Cortez goes after a takedown early. Gatto stuffs her and rings her bell with an overhand right. They clash legs when kicking at the same time, and they get drawn into a striking exchange where Gatto lands the better punches. Cortez intercepts one punch with a double, and she tackles the Brazilian over and puts her down on the floor in the center of the cage. Gatto looks to escape out the side, so Cortez answers this by slipping into half guard and using her shoulder to press Gatto down. Gatto turns as Cortez goes after mount, and Cortez accepts this so that she can swipe north-south position. Gatto turns all the way over and tries to snatch up a single, but Cortez follows her through and remains on top. The Brazilian kicks off, and Cortez gets back to her feet and dives on top before Gatto can fight her way back upright again. Gatto again pushes off the hips, and Cortez turns the corner to shove Gatto back down. Gatto absorbs an elbow to the side of her head as she looks to roll through, and Cortez falls into leglock danger. Gatto pursues a heel hook, and she attacks to the other leg as Cortez smoothly move through, lands several heel strikes to the thigh, and gets up. Gatto sneaks around to partially take Cortez’ back, and Cortez turns all the way around while Gatto is hanging on to her so that she can wind up on top. They are on their sides, both attempting to assume position, but it is Cortez that succeeds in getting top position and swiping full mount. Cortez opens up with an elbow, and when Gatto turns, Cortez hunts for an arm-triangle choke. Cortez gets over to side control as she locks down the choke, but she abandons it when Gatto leans her neck up to the wall. Gatto rolls again, and Cortez hangs on to her until the final horn blares to wrap up this three-round fight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-28 Cortez)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-28 Cortez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-28 Cortez)
The Official Result
Tracy Cortez def. Melissa Gatto via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Tracy Cortez based on her wrestling, expecting her to grind out a decision. However, he admits his bet will be on Melissa Gatto to win inside the distance (decision no action), indicating a lack of full confidence in Cortez. He notes Cortez's layoff and Gatto's submission threat.
Big Brady picks Tracy Cortez to win by decision, but he is hesitant. He acknowledges that Gatto has shown impressive striking and grappling, but her takedown defense is poor. Cortez will look to take Gatto down and control her, and Brady believes she will succeed in getting takedowns. However, Gatto is dangerous off her back with submissions, so Cortez will have to fight off submissions for 15 minutes. Brady thinks Cortez will win by controlling the fight on the ground, but he would not count out Gatto completely.
Cody picks Tracy Cortez, but emphasizes monitoring the scales. He notes Cortez's wrestling advantage and that she trains at Fight Ready MMA. Cody believes Cortez can get takedowns and stay on top, avoiding Gatto's submissions. He thinks Gatto's guard is active but Cortez's wrestling and pace will prevail. Cody is confident if Cortez makes weight.
Daniel Levi leans toward Melissa Gatto as an underdog, citing her cleaner striking, power, and opportunistic submissions. He expects Cortez to have early wrestling success but thinks Gatto can survive and turn the fight in later rounds. He is worried about Cortez's top control but sees value in Gatto at plus money. He has not bet yet, noting he missed better lines.
The host picks Melissa Gatto but is not betting the fight due to volatility. He notes Cortez's strong wrestling but concerns about her weight miss and cardio. He highlights Gatto's impressive UFC performances, her ability to work from bottom, and her vicious striking. He expects Gatto to pressure, attack the body, and possibly find a submission or win via striking. He acknowledges Cortez will land takedowns but thinks Gatto will do enough to win.
Paul picks Melissa Gatto as an underdog at +147. He believes the fight is more 50/50 and that Gatto's grappling is legit, with an active guard and submission threats. He fears Cortez's wrestling could control the fight, but thinks Gatto's strength and jiu-jitsu could lead to a submission. Paul acknowledges the Arizona home cooking factor but took the dog shot.
The MMA Guru picks Melissa Gatto as an underdog, citing her underrated skills, youth, and physical advantages. He notes Gatto has a reach advantage, submission ability, and finishing power, as seen in her wins over Carol Rosa and Sijara Eubanks. He criticizes Cortez for pitter-patter striking and lack of finishing ability. He predicts Gatto will win on the feet and then secure a submission, possibly an armbar in the second round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 66 of 112 | 58% | 84 of 138 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 | 0 | 6:26 |
| Justine Kish | 1 | 55 of 119 | 46% | 72 of 140 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 20 of 30 | 66% | 34 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:11 |
| Justine Kish | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 24 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
| Justine Kish | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 38 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 24 of 38 | 63% | 26 of 40 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Justine Kish | 1 | 21 of 54 | 38% | 22 of 55 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 66 of 112 | 58% | 40 of 78 | 19 of 24 | 7 of 10 | 39 of 73 | 7 of 7 | 20 of 32 |
| Justine Kish | 55 of 119 | 46% | 30 of 86 | 8 of 14 | 17 of 19 | 50 of 111 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 20 of 30 | 66% | 18 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 25 |
| Justine Kish | 5 of 8 | 62% | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 22 of 44 | 50% | 9 of 26 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 8 | 19 of 41 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Justine Kish | 29 of 57 | 50% | 15 of 38 | 4 of 8 | 10 of 11 | 27 of 54 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 24 of 38 | 63% | 13 of 24 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 17 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 7 |
| Justine Kish | 21 of 54 | 38% | 12 of 42 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 6 | 19 of 51 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The lone catchweight contest of this evening and the second of two women’s bouts is officially at 126.5 pounds as Cortez (8-1, 2-0 UFC) missed weight before taking on Kish (7-3, 3-3 UFC). Our referee is Keith Peterson, and the nonsense level in the arena just dropped to dangerously low levels. There is no glove touch offered or exchanged, and Cortez takes the center of the cage to engage. It is Kish that lands the first offense, with a barrage of punches leading to a head kick and a follow-up takedown attempt. Cortez stuffs the try, and the two muscle one another around on the fencing. Both score short knees, and Kish aims for a trip only to get reversed and put on her back. Cortez postures up and stands up in high guard to blast Kish in the face with heavy hands. Kish arches her back to try to tie up Cortez or set up a submission off her back, but Cortez ignores it and slams her in the face with repeated fists and elbows. Kish aims for an armbar, and Cortez breaks it up with stern ground-and-pound. This same situation happens again, and Kish cannot get the leverage nor the angle to set up any serious submission. Instead, Kish hacks with elbows from her back, all while Cortez busts her in the face. When Cortez stands up to rain down shots, Kish nails her in the face with an upkick but Cortez darts back down to take top position. As Kish scrambles, she returns to her knees and gives up her back, and Cortez gets both hooks in. Kish defends with two-on-one wrist control all while trying to break the body lock that Cortez takes, and Cortez keeps the body triangle tightly secured. Cortez flirts with a choke attempt and gets punched, and the round ends in this position.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 2
Cortez rushes out of her corner to begin the second frame, and both trade single jabs early. They commit to body kicks, and Kish sits down on a right hand to back her foe off. Kish aims another kick, and Cortez wades forward with a combination. Kish returns fire, and they close the distance but Cortez cannot grab her. Cortez sweeps with a kick, and blocks low to aim to take the fight down. Kish gives up her back in an exchange, and Cortez drags her down to set up the body triangle like she ended the previous stanza. Kish throws no-look punches, and she breaks the body lock to burst out of the position, on top, and then back up. Kish slashes at her with a standing elbow, and Cortez replies with a solid right hand. Two punches from Kick get off, Cortez does not let her off the hook, and they continue to trade one after the other. Both get off leg kicks, and they reach out with jabs. A low kick turns into a hook kick for Kish, and Cortez avoids the latter. Cortez marches forward with a one-two, and the head kick that comes after it gets blocked. Kish stings Cortez with a one-two, and she lands to the body with a punch and a few kicks. When Cortez aims her own kick to the body, Kish is there with an overhand right counter. Kish lands an inside calf kick when Cortez comes at her, and Kish avoids the strikes that flow towards her. Kish takes a leg kick and comes up short of her intended target. A pair of leg kicks from Kish conclude the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kish
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kish
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kish
Round 3
When Cortez starts the round aggressively, Kish is there to greet her with several punches and a leg kick. Cortez pursues a takedown, and Kish sees it coming and staves her off. A right hand connects to the jaw for Kish, and Cortez counters her effectively. Cortez leaves a kick out too long, which allows for Kish to nail her on the jaw with a right hand. Kish shrugs off a front kick to smack Cortez with a few right hands, and she follows them with two lefts. Cortez rushes in to clinch up and hit a body lock takedown, and on the second effort, she gets Kish down to her back. Cortez sits up to land strikes, and Kish pushes off and may have gotten away with a upkick with Cortez’ knees down. As Kish rolls to her knees, Cortez nails her with heavy ground-and-pound. Kish scrambles and gives up her neck, and as they stand up, Cortez grips on to a guillotine choke. Kish does not panic, and instead wriggles her neck free. Kish thanks her by landing a few punches, and they go body kick for body kick. Kish attempts a standing back fist, but she misses. When Cortez throws a body kick, Kish times a huge right hook that plants her square on her backside. Kish does not want to play on the ground, so she allows Cortez to get up. Cortez thanks her for this by landing a few punches when she gets her feet beneath her again. Kish eats an uppercut to score a right hand counter, and she catches a body kick but cannot make Cortez pay for it. Cortez shoots in to take the fight down, and Kish stuffs it, eats a knee up the middle and scores a few right hands. Kish paws out with punches, landing another right as Cortez throws a naked body kick. A few more from Kish end this very close fight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Kish (29-28 Kish)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kish (29-28 Kish)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kish (29-28 Kish)
The Official Result
Tracy Cortez def. Justine Kish via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Big Brady picks Tracy Cortez to win by decision. He highlights Cortez's excellent wrestling (3 takedowns per 15 minutes) against Kish's poor takedown defense (55%). He notes that Kish has not faced a wrestler of Cortez's caliber and that Cortez should have no problem getting takedowns and controlling the fight. He expects a dominant decision with multiple takedowns and top control. He suggests the decision prop at -120 as a better value than the moneyline.
Cody believes Cortez will secure takedowns and grind Kish down. He notes Kish is raw, makes mistakes, and has poor takedown defense. He thinks Cortez's wrestling is her bread and butter and that she will win by decision. He is confident in the pick.
Daniel Levi picks Tracy Cortez, citing her disciplined style and takedown ability. He notes that Justine Kish is aggressive but leaves openings for takedowns, and Cortez will stay true to her game plan. Levi believes Cortez will take Kish down and control the fight, winning a unanimous decision. He also mentions that Cortez has a higher ceiling and is working with a good team.
Manpreet is confident Cortez will win by decision, citing her superior wrestling and top control. He notes that Kish is durable but has poor takedown defense and struggles off her back, as seen in the Felice Herrig fight. He believes Cortez will grind out a decision, making the decision prop a safe play.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Kish has lost to grapplers and has not improved. He thinks Cortez's wrestling will be even better at 125 lbs. He expects a 29-28 decision for Cortez.
The MMA Guru picks Tracy Cortez to win by unanimous decision. He notes Cortez is younger, has a reach advantage, and a better record with good competition. He criticizes Justine Kish's recent losses and lack of impressive wins. He expects Cortez to secure takedowns at the end of rounds to win close rounds, possibly 30-27.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 0 | 20 of 42 | 47% | 66 of 109 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 9:58 |
| Stephanie Egger | 0 | 10 of 32 | 31% | 27 of 70 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 1 | 2:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 13 of 22 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:43 |
| Stephanie Egger | 0 | 6 of 16 | 37% | 12 of 32 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:34 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 6 of 13 | 46% | 31 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:16 |
| Stephanie Egger | 0 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 7 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 22 of 36 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:59 |
| Stephanie Egger | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracy Cortez | 20 of 42 | 47% | 11 of 28 | 3 of 6 | 6 of 8 | 9 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 11 of 16 |
| Stephanie Egger | 10 of 32 | 31% | 6 of 24 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 8 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tracy Cortez | 6 of 14 | 42% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Stephanie Egger | 6 of 16 | 37% | 2 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tracy Cortez | 6 of 13 | 46% | 3 of 8 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 |
| Stephanie Egger | 2 of 9 | 22% | 2 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tracy Cortez | 8 of 15 | 53% | 6 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 7 |
| Stephanie Egger | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
We now shift gears to the women’s bantamweight division, as Cortez (7-1, 1-0 UFC) tries to stave off powerful newcomer Egger (5-1, 0-0 UFC). The Octagon ranger is referee Kevin Sataki, and the action is preceded by a glove touch. Egger reaches out early with a jab, and steps out of the way of a leg kick. The Swiss fighter slaps her foot off Cortez’ thigh, and the two back off to find angles. Egger fires off another low kick, and Cortez’ response is nowhere near the mark. Egger catches Cortez standing still with a right hand, and slaps away the counter strikes that come her way. Egger swings and misses with an overhand right, and Cortez catches a subsequent kick to clinch up and consider a takedown. Egger stops it, and the two come back to the center of the cage. Egger lets loose a body kick, and a crisp counter right hand drops her down to the canvas. She is not hurt and likely knocked off-balance, as she gets right back up and narrowly avoids a foot flying by her face. Cortez closes the distance and lands a trip takedown, where she lands hard in full guard. Egger closes the guard for a moment before opening it to threaten with something off her back, and Cortez maintains heavy pressure but is not striking out of concern that something could come from it. As soon as Cortez postures up, Egger throws up her legs to hunt for an armbar, and Cortez rolls through it and an omoplata attempt as well to circle around and take Egger’s back. Cortez cinches up a body triangle as she fishes for a rear-naked choke, but Egger is unconcerned as she signals to the referee to stand them up. There is no such response as Cortez has back control, so Egger takes matters into her own hands by spinning around and getting on top. Cortez wants nothing to do with this as she powers back to her feet, and Egger presses her to the fence as she stands up. Cortez spins her about and thwarts a hip toss to stay on top in an unusual scramble situation until the round closes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 2
The two women’s bantamweights touch gloves again, and both start off with kicks. Egger goes to the body, while Cortez strings a few together to the body and lead leg. Egger steps forward with a body kick, and as she backs off to avoid the counter, Cortez follows her. The American latches on to her and hits a takedown, where she is quickly in half guard as Egger twists and turns. Cortez slams down a few punches and considers a brabo choke as Egger tries to sit up, and Egger leans back to hunt for a leglock. She cannot secure anything as Cortez pulls her leg free, and Cortez lords over her opponent on top. Cortez rains down punches, and when she stands up, she gets booted in the side of the head with an upkick. Cortez shakes off the cobwebs as she stops Egger from taking top position, by electing to wade into Egger’s full guard. The Swiss fighter flails her legs around to get any sort of submission, but Cortez ignores it and elbows her in the back of her thigh. Egger attempts to roll through the position but finds herself giving up her back again, as Cortez locks in a body triangle like the previous round. This time, Cortez starts softening Egger up with short punches, and Egger manages to get Cortez so her back is on the fence and not able to get any leverage on a possible choke. Cortez thanks her for this by punching her in the body several times, and Egger winces and grabs hold of the wrist to tie Cortez up. Egger keeps two-on-one wrist control to stop any potential choke but she cannot break the body triangle, and the round ends as Cortez clings on like Saran wrap.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Round 3
The final round opens with a glove touch, and Egger starts winging kicks. Cortez backs out of the way of most of the concussive blows and tries to respond with similar strikes, but she is not long enough to reach her opponent. Egger shoots in low for a takedown, and Cortez defends by grabbing the fence and is admonished for it. The American gets grounded briefly but manages to leverage her way back up standing. The two lock up in the clinch, and Cortez is quick to turn her around as she gets off a few short knees. Egger attempts a trip but is unsuccessful, so she drops down for a double leg takedown. Cortez defends the position and lands a few punches in the process, before fighting her way out to go after an inside trip takedown. Egger stays on her feet but the second effort from Cortez puts her down, where Cortez instantly swirls around to take Egger’s back. The Swiss woman muscles her way to her feet and tries to trip Cortez, but Cortez reverses the maneuver and stops the attempt. As she presses Egger to the fence, Cortez changes levels and hits her own takedown. Egger turns around and gives up her back, so Cortez punches her in the face a few times while Egger tries to roll through. Cortez snatches up back control again, and the body triangle gets set up almost instinctually. Egger rolls to her stomach and gets on her knees, where Cortez slams more fists on the side of her head. Cortez stops a sweep and the two are trapped against the fence until time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (30-27 Cortez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (30-27 Cortez)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (30-27 Cortez)
The Official Result
Tracy Cortez def. Stephanie Egger via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Big Brady picks the underdog Egger, citing her size advantage (3-inch height), legitimate ground game, and takedown ability. He notes Cortez has been reversed and put in bad spots on the mat, and that Egger is the bigger woman. He believes the fight should be closer to a pick'em and expects Egger to win by decision or submission.
Daniel leans with Tracy Cortez, believing her wrestling is better suited for MMA than Egger's judo. He notes that pulling guard in MMA is risky against a wrestler. He expects Cortez to get takedowns and win a decision. However, he cautions that Cortez is still green and wouldn't bet heavily on her.
Egger has size, strength, and judo advantages; she can reverse clinch positions and control on the ground. Cortez is undersized and may struggle to get takedowns. Egger's cardio is a concern, but she should win the first two rounds and survive the third for a decision.
The Guru picks Cortez, citing her better competition, experience, and record. He notes Egger is taking the fight on short notice and expects Cortez to grind out a unanimous decision by winning the second and third rounds.
Wang Cong - Fight History
AJ is not very interested in betting this fight but leans toward Wang winning by decision. He notes that Wang by decision at +250 is a possibility, though he thinks Cortez might try takedowns but Wang's ground game is underrated. He mentions the fight is expected to go over 2.5 rounds.
AJ picks Kong Wang to win, citing her elite kickboxing, takedown defense, and improved grappling. He believes Wang's striking will be too much for Tracy Cortez, who relies on wrestling. He notes Wang survived a bad position against Eduardo Mora and expects her to fend off takedowns and out-strike Cortez.
AJ leans toward Wang Cong, noting her striking is sick and fast, and her getup is fine. He thinks Cortez's takedowns and control don't bring a massive sub threat, so Wang should be chilling. He also mentions Wang survived Eduarda Moura's jiu-jitsu which is better than Cortez's.
AJ picks Wang Cong nervously, indicating a hesitant lean. No further reasoning is provided in the transcript.
AJ picks Wang Cong, citing her superior kickboxing, speed, and elusiveness. He acknowledges the takedown threat from Cortez but believes Wang's takedown defense and ability to get back up will be key. AJ expects a close decision win for Wang, though he notes there are more confident bets on the card.
Angelo picks Wang Cong because she is a former professional kickboxer with fast, powerful striking and improved takedown defense. He believes Tracy Cortez's only path is grinding out a decision with wrestling, but judges may favor Cong's striking. He notes that Cong has multiple ways to win while Cortez has only one, and the line movement makes sense.
Angelo leans towards Wang Cong, citing her superior striking and rapid improvement, while Tracy Cortez has stagnated. He notes Tracy's wrestling is good but Wang's takedown defense is improving. He thinks the fight will be one-sided either way, with Wang likely winning by striking.
Big Brady leans towards Cortez as a live dog, citing her grappling advantage. He notes Wang Cong has terrible grappling and ground game, as seen in the Mara fight, while Cortez has excellent control and a big butt that makes it hard to get her off. However, he worries Cortez might not care anymore. He sees the path: take Wang down, win rounds. He might bet Cortez by decision.
Big Brady picks Tracy Cortez to win by decision. He criticizes Wang Cong's poor ground game, citing rookie mistakes in her last fight, and believes Cortez's wrestling and top control will be decisive. He notes Cortez's underrated striking and ability to keep opponents down once she takes them down. He expresses slight concern about Cortez's motivation but sees her as the clear pick.
Big Brady passes on this fight after missing the line on Cortez at plus money. He thinks Cortez should win due to her ground advantage but is worried about her mentality and infrequent fighting. He does not make a pick.
Cody picks Tracy Cortez, emphasizing her wrestling background and ability to take down opponents. He notes Wang Cong's striking credentials but questions her takedown defense and durability. He believes Cortez can grind out a win.
Daniel Levi picks Tracy Cortez to upset Wang Cong, contingent on Cortez implementing her wrestling. He notes Cortez's skills are there but her mental focus is questionable. Levi believes Cortez can get a submission or win a decision if she is mentally prepared, but acknowledges Wang Cong's striking advantage and Cortez's potential distractions.
Jacob picks Wang Cong, noting that Tracy Cortez is solid but doesn't excel anywhere and has squeaked by against lesser competition. He believes Cong's takedown defense has improved and if she defends takedowns, Cortez will be in trouble. He thinks Cortez is too willing to exchange on the feet and goes to wrestling too late.
Lucrative James picks Tracy Cortez via decision, citing her superior wrestling and grappling. He acknowledges Wang's striking advantage but believes Cortez can take Wang down and control her, as Wang's bottom game was exposed against Eduarda Moura. He notes Wang's slow-building style and Cortez's durability, predicting a close fight where Cortez's grappling edge wins rounds.
The host believes Cortez's grappling and experience will prevail. He expects her to find spots to drag Wang to the ground and make it look easier as the fight goes deeper, winning by decision.
The host believes Cortez's wrestling will be the decisive factor, as she can take Wang down and grind her out. He acknowledges Wang's striking advantage but thinks the grappling gap is wider, and Cortez's cardio will hold up better than Wang's previous opponents.
Paul has no pick for this fight, calling it a 'pick 'em' and saying he will steer clear entirely. He notes question marks around both fighters and does not have a take.
The MMA Guru picks Wang Cong to win by TKO finish. He believes Wang Cong is more committed and has better striking than Tracy Cortez. He notes that Cortez is decent but has other options, while fighting is everything to Wang Cong. He expects Wang Cong to unload shots and finish Cortez.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang Cong | 1 | 39 of 71 | 54% | 147 of 195 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 3:11 |
| Eduarda Moura | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 40 of 70 | 3 of 12 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 8:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wang Cong | 1 | 26 of 46 | 56% | 48 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
| Eduarda Moura | 0 | 8 of 24 | 33% | 15 of 33 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:57 | |
| 2 | Wang Cong | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 54 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Eduarda Moura | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 17 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:31 | |
| 3 | Wang Cong | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 45 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 2:11 |
| Eduarda Moura | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 8 of 12 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang Cong | 39 of 71 | 54% | 16 of 39 | 15 of 20 | 8 of 12 | 23 of 49 | 10 of 14 | 6 of 8 |
| Eduarda Moura | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wang Cong | 26 of 46 | 56% | 10 of 25 | 11 of 14 | 5 of 7 | 17 of 33 | 4 of 7 | 5 of 6 |
| Eduarda Moura | 8 of 24 | 33% | 8 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 21 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Wang Cong | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Eduarda Moura | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | |
| 3 | Wang Cong | 10 of 21 | 47% | 5 of 13 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 13 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
| Eduarda Moura | 4 of 7 | 57% | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Wang Cong confidently, citing her excellent striking, power, speed, and accuracy. He notes her takedown defense has held up well. He thinks Eduarda Moura's striking is nowhere near good enough to hang, and if Wang defends takedowns, she will win easily. He expects Moura to shoot desperate takedowns from far away. He also mentions that Vegas hates wrestlers, so even if Moura gets takedowns, it may not matter.
Big Brady picks Wang Cong, praising her as one of the best strikers in the division with excellent takedown defense. He notes that Moura may have early grappling success but will slow down, and Cong will piece her up over 15 minutes. He expects a decision win for Cong.
Cody agrees, highlighting Wang's volume and Moura's struggles at 125. He notes Moura's weight-cutting issues and inability to bully larger opponents. Cody expects Wang to dominate on the feet and win comfortably.
Connor agrees, noting that Wang has good instincts to counter wrestle and that Moura's game is meat-and-potatoes striking. He points out that Moura threw a lot against Lauren Murphy but landed very little, and that Wang will not be scared off. Connor expects Wang to win comfortably.
Lucrative James picks Wang Cong to win by TKO in round three. He believes Wang's striking is far superior and that she will defend takedowns, while Moura tends to gas out. James notes Wang's chin might be a concern, but he trusts her takedown defense and striking volume to secure a late finish.
The host picks Wang Cong by TKO in round three. He believes Wang's superior striking and takedown defense will be too much for Moura, who struggles to get takedowns and has poor cardio. He expects Wang to stick and move, punishing Moura's entries, and eventually put together a barrage in the third round for a finish.
Paul picks Wang Cong, citing her elite striking and physical strength. He notes Moura's lack of standout skills and poor striking defense. Paul expects Wang to outwork Moura and win a decision or late stoppage.
The host picks Wang Cong over Eduarda Moura. He notes Wang Cong is fundamentally sound on feet and ground, with good takedown defense. He thinks Moura has had close fights and stinkers, and if someone is sharper and can match her strength, they will do well. He expects Wang Cong to win.
Zane picks Wang Cong, believing she can stuff enough of Moura's grappling to keep the fight at distance where Moura is uncomfortable. He notes that Moura's high-volume but low-accuracy striking will be dangerous against Wang, who is fast and accurate. Zane expects a tepid fight where Wang works her from long range.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariane da Silva | 0 | 63 of 176 | 35% | 65 of 178 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Wang Cong | 1 | 143 of 222 | 64% | 147 of 226 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ariane da Silva | 0 | 17 of 41 | 41% | 17 of 41 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Wang Cong | 0 | 46 of 65 | 70% | 48 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ariane da Silva | 0 | 19 of 59 | 32% | 21 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Wang Cong | 1 | 42 of 64 | 65% | 44 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 3 | Ariane da Silva | 0 | 27 of 76 | 35% | 27 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Wang Cong | 0 | 55 of 93 | 59% | 55 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariane da Silva | 63 of 176 | 35% | 31 of 121 | 20 of 37 | 12 of 18 | 55 of 164 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 143 of 222 | 64% | 75 of 148 | 28 of 31 | 40 of 43 | 127 of 206 | 13 of 13 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ariane da Silva | 17 of 41 | 41% | 9 of 29 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 37 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 46 of 65 | 70% | 16 of 34 | 12 of 12 | 18 of 19 | 39 of 58 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ariane da Silva | 19 of 59 | 32% | 11 of 44 | 5 of 10 | 3 of 5 | 16 of 56 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 42 of 64 | 65% | 19 of 39 | 8 of 8 | 15 of 17 | 37 of 59 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Ariane da Silva | 27 of 76 | 35% | 11 of 48 | 11 of 20 | 5 of 8 | 24 of 71 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 55 of 93 | 59% | 40 of 75 | 8 of 11 | 7 of 7 | 51 of 89 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Wang Cong but is not fully confident. He acknowledges Ariane Lipski's underrated striking and ability to make it competitive. He thinks Wang's power will add up over time and Lipski will become afraid to engage. He notes the odds are almost 4-to-1 and says he will likely avoid betting on this fight.
Big Brady picks Wang Cong, citing her high-level striking and the fact that Ariane da Silva has been finished in five of her losses, four by KO. He thinks da Silva doesn't like getting hit and that Cong can finish her on the feet or by mixing in takedowns, as da Silva's ground game is suspect. He predicts a second-round knockout.
Connor agrees, citing Lipski's experience and comfort in MMA striking. He notes Wong Kong's struggles with commitment and defense in MMA, and thinks Lipski's aggression and durability will be key. Connor acknowledges Wong Kong's technical edge but doubts she can overcome Lipski's pressure.
Wang Cong is expected to be more effective with her footwork, distance management, and combinations. She will land more effective damage throughout the fight and chip away at Lipski to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Wang Cong, citing her superior kickboxing, power, and ability to finish. He notes Ariane da Silva has submission skills but lacks power and is reactionary. He predicts Wang Cong wins by TKO in the first round, dominating exchanges. He mentions Wang Cong's only loss was a fluke submission she would win 8 out of 10 times.
Zane picks Lipski, noting her improved striking and willingness to engage. He thinks Wong Kong has shown limitations in MMA, particularly hesitation and defensive issues. Lipski has more avenues to win, including a submission game, and is more comfortable in MMA striking exchanges.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang Cong | 0 | 103 of 181 | 56% | 104 of 182 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Bruna Brasil | 0 | 31 of 64 | 48% | 31 of 64 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wang Cong | 0 | 30 of 49 | 61% | 30 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Bruna Brasil | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Wang Cong | 0 | 35 of 60 | 58% | 35 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bruna Brasil | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Wang Cong | 0 | 38 of 72 | 52% | 39 of 73 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Bruna Brasil | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 14 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang Cong | 103 of 181 | 56% | 38 of 99 | 21 of 32 | 44 of 50 | 102 of 177 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 |
| Bruna Brasil | 31 of 64 | 48% | 11 of 30 | 12 of 19 | 8 of 15 | 30 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wang Cong | 30 of 49 | 61% | 11 of 28 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 16 | 29 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 |
| Bruna Brasil | 10 of 20 | 50% | 3 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Wang Cong | 35 of 60 | 58% | 10 of 29 | 8 of 12 | 17 of 19 | 35 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruna Brasil | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 5 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Wang Cong | 38 of 72 | 52% | 17 of 42 | 9 of 15 | 12 of 15 | 38 of 71 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Bruna Brasil | 14 of 27 | 51% | 7 of 15 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 3 | 13 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Wang Cong to win, but he is not laying -515 on her. He notes that Bruna Brasil is moving up a weight class and will be a small flyweight. He questions Brasil's chin, as she has been knocked out three times and looked uncomfortable in the Denise Gomes fight. Brady believes Wang Cong will land big shots and get a knockout, predicting a second-round finish.
Daniel Levi mentions Wang Cong as a massive favorite against Bruna Brasil, noting Wang's knockout wins and Bruna's recent career-best performance against Molly McCann. He does not state a pick, only describing the matchup and asking if Bruna can come through as a big underdog.
Wang Cong is looking to bounce back from her first professional loss. She will showcase a more disciplined approach, pick apart Brasil, and stop takedown attempts. The fight is expected to go to the scorecards with Wang winning by decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriella Fernandes | 0 | 46 of 111 | 41% | 48 of 113 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Wang Cong | 1 | 18 of 59 | 30% | 19 of 61 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriella Fernandes | 0 | 23 of 56 | 41% | 25 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Wang Cong | 0 | 6 of 26 | 23% | 7 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | Gabriella Fernandes | 0 | 23 of 55 | 41% | 23 of 55 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Wang Cong | 1 | 12 of 33 | 36% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:21 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriella Fernandes | 46 of 111 | 41% | 15 of 66 | 21 of 32 | 10 of 13 | 46 of 111 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 18 of 59 | 30% | 13 of 50 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 6 | 18 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriella Fernandes | 23 of 56 | 41% | 7 of 30 | 12 of 19 | 4 of 7 | 23 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 6 of 26 | 23% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Gabriella Fernandes | 23 of 55 | 41% | 8 of 36 | 9 of 13 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 55 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Wang Cong | 12 of 33 | 36% | 8 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo is very confident in Wang Cong, citing her kickboxing background and power. He believes Fernandes will struggle with Wang's power and resort to desperate takedowns. He calls it one of his most confident picks on the card.
Big Brady picks Wang Cong to win by decision. He thinks Wang is the better striker and also has a sneaky path to victory via takedowns, as Fernandes can be taken down and controlled on the mat. Despite the massive -800 line, Brady expects Wang to get it done, likely on the feet or with grappling.
Cody agrees, calling Wang a legitimate prospect with world-class kickboxing. He notes that Fernandes has been taken down and outstruck in recent fights, and Wang's physicality in the clinch will be too much. He expects Wang to win big, possibly by knockout or even submission, as she continues to develop her grappling.
Connor also picks Wang, comparing her to a more athletic Yan Xiaonan with less experience. He notes that Fernandes is not a great grappler but a physical fighter, and Wang's athleticism and striking should prevail. Connor acknowledges that Wang's ground game could implode under pressure but thinks it's unlikely against Fernandes. He agrees the odds are too wide.
Daniel Vreeland picks Wang Cong despite the steep -800 line. He highlights her clean kickboxing, having beaten Valentina Shevchenko in a kickboxing match, and her well-rounded game including takedowns. He acknowledges Gabriella Fernandes' power and improving get-up game but sees a clear technique gap. He expects Wang Cong to pick her apart, though not necessarily with a highlight-reel KO.
James leans towards Wang Cong as a real prospect, but admits he hasn't done full tape study. He notes Wang's striking and thinks Fernandes is not a great fighter, but the -800 price is too high to bet. He may look for a decision or KO prop after further research.
Wang is clearly the superior striker. She will take her time and work to a TKO in the third round.
Paul picks Wang Cong confidently, noting her elite striking and improving grappling. He points out that Fernandes is not a strong grappler and has been outmuscled in the clinch. He expects Wang to win by knockout, possibly early, and sees this as a showcase fight to build her up.
The MMA Guru picks Wang Cong confidently, citing her aura, power, KO ability, and kickboxing background. He mentions she knocked out Victoria Leonardo and beat Valentina Shevchenko in kickboxing. He acknowledges Gabriella Fernandes is strong and athletic but lost to Jazzy Decious and Theresa Bleda. He predicts a KO win for Wang Cong.
Zane picks Wang Cong, citing her superior striking speed, power, and form. He notes that Fernandes is a cumbersome striker who will likely get countered repeatedly. Zane also mentions that Wang showed composure when grappled in previous fights, which should help against Fernandes' physical but not elite grappling. However, he warns that Wang is untested and the odds are too wide.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang Cong | 1 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Victoria Leonardo | 0 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wang Cong | 1 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Victoria Leonardo | 0 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang Cong | 10 of 26 | 38% | 4 of 16 | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Victoria Leonardo | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wang Cong | 10 of 26 | 38% | 4 of 16 | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Victoria Leonardo | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Wang Cong, calling her the biggest favorite on the card at 8-to-1 odds. He notes her high-level kickboxing background, including a win over Valentina Shevchenko, and her striking speed and power. He thinks she is light years ahead of Leonardo in striking and should win, potentially by stoppage. However, he warns against betting the moneyline because the odds are too far gone and she is an untested UFC debut. He considers a bet on the under 2.5 rounds if the line is juiced.
Cody picks Wang Cong because of her striking pedigree, including a kickboxing win over Valentina Shevchenko. He notes that Leonardo is 1-3 in the UFC and has been finished by lesser strikers. He thinks Wang Cong's power and precision will be too much. He also mentions that the UFC is building her up as a potential contender.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Wang Cong, noting her kickboxing background and Leonardo's history of being finished by UFC-caliber opponents. He expects a dominant performance, possibly by head kick or other finish.
Brevin picks Wang Cong by KO, citing her strong wrestling and grappling, and noting that Leonardo is a terrible striker with no striking ability. He is confident Wang will get the job done on Saturday. JP piggybacks, also taking Wang by KO, emphasizing Leonardo's poor record of 1-4 with KOs.
Paul picks Wang Cong, noting her kickboxing background and the UFC's intention to build a Chinese star. He thinks Leonardo is a gatekeeper who will be used to propel Wang Cong. He also mentions that Wang Cong showed grappling skills on Road to the UFC. He says he's willing to pay the chalk.
The MMA Guru picks Wang Cong because she is undefeated and Victoria Leonardo is 'garbage' and should not be in the UFC. He dismisses Leonardo's skills entirely, suggesting she has no business being signed. He does not elaborate on Wang's specific strengths but is confident in her victory.
Expert Picks (18)
AJ is not very interested in betting this fight but leans toward Wang winning by decision. He notes that Wang by decision at +250 is a possibility, though he thinks Cortez might try takedowns but Wang's ground game is underrated. He mentions the fight is expected to go over 2.5 rounds.
AJ leans toward Wang Cong, noting her striking is sick and fast, and her getup is fine. He thinks Cortez's takedowns and control don't bring a massive sub threat, so Wang should be chilling. He also mentions Wang survived Eduarda Moura's jiu-jitsu which is better than Cortez's.
AJ picks Wang Cong, citing her superior kickboxing, speed, and elusiveness. He acknowledges the takedown threat from Cortez but believes Wang's takedown defense and ability to get back up will be key. AJ expects a close decision win for Wang, though he notes there are more confident bets on the card.
AJ picks Wang Cong nervously, indicating a hesitant lean. No further reasoning is provided in the transcript.
AJ picks Kong Wang to win, citing her elite kickboxing, takedown defense, and improved grappling. He believes Wang's striking will be too much for Tracy Cortez, who relies on wrestling. He notes Wang survived a bad position against Eduardo Mora and expects her to fend off takedowns and out-strike Cortez.
Angelo picks Wang Cong because she is a former professional kickboxer with fast, powerful striking and improved takedown defense. He believes Tracy Cortez's only path is grinding out a decision with wrestling, but judges may favor Cong's striking. He notes that Cong has multiple ways to win while Cortez has only one, and the line movement makes sense.
Angelo leans towards Wang Cong, citing her superior striking and rapid improvement, while Tracy Cortez has stagnated. He notes Tracy's wrestling is good but Wang's takedown defense is improving. He thinks the fight will be one-sided either way, with Wang likely winning by striking.
Big Brady passes on this fight after missing the line on Cortez at plus money. He thinks Cortez should win due to her ground advantage but is worried about her mentality and infrequent fighting. He does not make a pick.
Big Brady leans towards Cortez as a live dog, citing her grappling advantage. He notes Wang Cong has terrible grappling and ground game, as seen in the Mara fight, while Cortez has excellent control and a big butt that makes it hard to get her off. However, he worries Cortez might not care anymore. He sees the path: take Wang down, win rounds. He might bet Cortez by decision.
Big Brady picks Tracy Cortez to win by decision. He criticizes Wang Cong's poor ground game, citing rookie mistakes in her last fight, and believes Cortez's wrestling and top control will be decisive. He notes Cortez's underrated striking and ability to keep opponents down once she takes them down. He expresses slight concern about Cortez's motivation but sees her as the clear pick.
Cody picks Tracy Cortez, emphasizing her wrestling background and ability to take down opponents. He notes Wang Cong's striking credentials but questions her takedown defense and durability. He believes Cortez can grind out a win.
Daniel Levi picks Tracy Cortez to upset Wang Cong, contingent on Cortez implementing her wrestling. He notes Cortez's skills are there but her mental focus is questionable. Levi believes Cortez can get a submission or win a decision if she is mentally prepared, but acknowledges Wang Cong's striking advantage and Cortez's potential distractions.
Jacob picks Wang Cong, noting that Tracy Cortez is solid but doesn't excel anywhere and has squeaked by against lesser competition. He believes Cong's takedown defense has improved and if she defends takedowns, Cortez will be in trouble. He thinks Cortez is too willing to exchange on the feet and goes to wrestling too late.
Lucrative James picks Tracy Cortez via decision, citing her superior wrestling and grappling. He acknowledges Wang's striking advantage but believes Cortez can take Wang down and control her, as Wang's bottom game was exposed against Eduarda Moura. He notes Wang's slow-building style and Cortez's durability, predicting a close fight where Cortez's grappling edge wins rounds.
The host believes Cortez's grappling and experience will prevail. He expects her to find spots to drag Wang to the ground and make it look easier as the fight goes deeper, winning by decision.
The host believes Cortez's wrestling will be the decisive factor, as she can take Wang down and grind her out. He acknowledges Wang's striking advantage but thinks the grappling gap is wider, and Cortez's cardio will hold up better than Wang's previous opponents.
Paul has no pick for this fight, calling it a 'pick 'em' and saying he will steer clear entirely. He notes question marks around both fighters and does not have a take.
The MMA Guru picks Wang Cong to win by TKO finish. He believes Wang Cong is more committed and has better striking than Tracy Cortez. He notes that Cortez is decent but has other options, while fighting is everything to Wang Cong. He expects Wang Cong to unload shots and finish Cortez.
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