The flyweight title picture is clear, with Valentina Shevchenko coaching opposite champion Alexa Grasso at TUF 32. However, the upcoming UFC Denver primary event fight between Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez might change some plans.
Namajunas vs. Maycee Barber was the original main event for UFC Denver. However, health concerns forced Barber’s withdrawal, and Cortez stepped in on short notice. Interestingly, the 11th-ranked flyweight has great plans after her upcoming fight.
Cortez Looks to Upset Flyweight Title Plans at UFC 306
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, the 30-year-old revealed her title aspirations after UFC Denver. The last women’s flyweight title was on Noche UFC in 2023, which ended in a controversial split draw between Shevchenko and Grasso. The contentious nature of the result has made ‘The Bullet’ hesitant to fight in a similar circumstance, opening doors for other contenders.
“I would say I would be next if, not no, I would be next [for the title], I would say. And I heard that Valentina [Shevchenko] doesn’t want to fight Alexa [Grasso] at the [Las Vegas] Sphere [at UFC 306]. So after this fight, I would love, whether it’s for the woman’s baddest female fighter [BMF], or just to put on a great show for Mexican Independence Day, I would love to fight Alexa,” Cortez said.
Dana White had already revealed his interest in having several Mexican and Mexican-American fighters on UFC 306. Therefore, the women’s flyweight title fight will likely be on the line at UFC 306. However, that doesn’t mean Cortez or Namajunas will bag the opportunity to fight for it by winning at UFC Denver.
If not Shevchenko, the number one contender, then the number two contender, Manon Fiorot, is likely next for Alexa Grasso. The Frenchwoman recently defeated Erin Blanchfield in the main event of UFC Atlantic City and even called for a title shot or a backup for Shevchenko vs. Grasso III. Will an impressive victory help Cortez leapfrog Fiorot? Anything is possible in the UFC.
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Also Read: Rose Namajunas Losses: Who Did ‘Thug’ Rose Lose To?
