Rose Namajunas believes she has taken a huge step towards the UFC flyweight title with her win against Tracy Cortez at UFC Denver.
Namajunas and Cortez faced off in the main event of UFC Denver last Saturday night, where the former two-time strawweight champion dominated, dropping her opponent early in the fight, before staying a step ahead with her striking and wrestling throughout to earn a unanimous decision win.
The victory improved Namajunas’ streak to two wins in a row, and she is now eyeing a flyweight title shot with another win or two.
Speaking to the media after UFC Denver, Namajunas revealed how she still needs improvement in certain areas.
“It’s just taken a while for me with all the stuff we had worked on, you know, it’s just building blocks, and I had to build my momentum to get to this point,” Namajunas said. “Now my shoulders feel really good. My right one still aches sometimes. I’ve just got to let it fully heal. I think it’s just going to keep getting better and there’s a lot to improve on, still.”
When asked whether the Cortez win has moved her closer to the belt, Namajunas responded in affirmative.
“100 percent (I think I moved closed to a title shot),” Namajunas said. “All that matters is winning, right? So, here we go.”
Namajunas was originally scheduled to face Maycee Barber, who unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury. The 26-year-old American prospect, currently on a six-fight winning streak, will surely be seeking a rebooking by the UFC. Namajunas, however, is looking ahead.
“When (Barber) feels better maybe we can talk about it, but ultimately I’m just forward-thinking right now.”
Do you agree with Rose Namajunas?
