UFC Denver Preview and Predictions By Brett Cagle
Rose Namajunas (13-8) vs. Tracy Cortez (11-1)
The main event of UFC Denver features a women’s flyweight contest between former 115-pound champion Rose Namajunas and athletic contender Tracy Cortez. After losing in her professional debut, Cortez won 11 fights in a row. Namajunas lost to French standout Manon Fiorot but bounced back with an impressive win over Amanda Ribas in March.
Namajunas is the more experienced fighter, having competed in five-round fights seven times in her career. Cortez has never been scheduled for a 25-minute contest. The path to victory for Cortez will be to find a home for the takedown. Namajunas has struggled against top-level grapplers like Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili. In her UFC career, Cortez has landed 2.33 takedowns per fight. Altitude may play a factor in this one, as Namajunas trains in Denver.
Prediction: Rose Namajunas by Decision
Julian Erosa (29-12) vs. Christian Rodriguez (11-1)
Featherweight prospects Julian Erosa and Christian Rodriguez compete on the main card of UFC Denver. Erosa is exceptionally tall for the weight class, 6-foot-1, and will have a three-inch reach advantage. Rodriguez is thought to be one of the brightest up-and-comers at 145 pounds. After defeating Raul Rosas Jr, Rodriguez extended his win streak to four after consecutive decision wins. Rodriguez is a betting favorite (-225) at online sportsbooks.
Erosa has 13 wins by submission and is a talented fighter on the ground. Rodriguez has never been finished and has shown impressive takedown defense in his career. Rodriguez will have a substantial advantage on the feet. Erosa has been knocked out eight times, including twice in his last three fights. Rodriguez should be able to make a statement.
Prediction: Christian Rodriguez by KO/TKO
Drew Dober (27-13) vs. Jean Silva (13-2)
A lightweight showdown between proven finishers should entertain fight fans Saturday night. Jean Silva will make his 155-pound debut in this contest against perennial contender Drew Dober. Silva just defeated Charles Jourdain in a featherweight matchup at UFC 303. Silva is an aggressive striker who has 10 wins by knockout. Dober will be making his 25th UFC appearance this weekend. He is a dangerous southpaw with one-punch knockout power.
This fight is a pick’em (-113) at online sportsbooks. On his record, Dober has 20 out of his 27 wins by finish and trains at Team Elevation in Denver. Silva has never been stopped and will face a significant step up in competition. This is my pick for the fight of the night.