The UFC returned to Denver, Colorado for the first time in nearly six years on July 13, 2024, delivering an action-packed evening at Ball Arena that featured 12 official fights across multiple weight classes. The event, headlined by former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas against rising flyweight contender Tracy Cortez, drew a sold-out crowd of 16,884 fans and generated $2,374,303 in gate revenue. What unfolded was an evening of dramatic finishes, controversial stoppages, lightning-fast knockouts, and gritty performances that showcased both veteran excellence and emerging talent.
The card underwent significant changes in the weeks leading up to fight night, most notably when original main event participant Maycee Barber withdrew due to ongoing health issues just three weeks before the event. Tracy Cortez, who had been scheduled to face Miranda Maverick the following week at UFC Vegas 95, stepped up on short notice to face Namajunas in what would become the biggest opportunity of her career. The weight cut proved challenging for Cortez, who initially weighed in at 126.5 pounds before making the difficult decision to cut her hair to make the 126-pound flyweight limit—a moment that went viral and set the tone for an emotionally charged evening.
From the opening bell of the early prelims through the final decision of the main event, UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez delivered memorable moments that will be discussed for years to come. The UFC awarded four $50,000 performance bonuses for the evening, recognizing the athletes who delivered the most spectacular performances inside the octagon.
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Main Card - UFC on ESPN 59: Namajunas vs Cortez
Rose Namajunas vs Tracy Cortez - Women's Flyweight Main Event
Rose Namajunas (USA) defeated Tracy Cortez (USA) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
In front of her adopted hometown crowd in Denver, Rose Namajunas delivered arguably her most complete performance since moving up to the flyweight division, systematically dismantling the previously unbeaten-in-the-UFC Tracy Cortez over five dominant rounds. The 32-year-old former two-time strawweight champion showcased the technical brilliance and tactical intelligence that made her a star at 115 pounds, proving that her skills translate seamlessly to the heavier weight class.
From the opening moments, Namajunas established control with superior footwork and range management. Her crisp jab found its mark repeatedly, and her ability to pivot away from Cortez's advances frustrated the Arizona native's attempts to close distance. The defining moment of the first round came when Namajunas connected with a beautiful two-punch combination—a right hand followed immediately by a left hook that sent Cortez crashing to the canvas. Namajunas followed her to the ground and worked from top position, landing ground strikes before Cortez managed to recover her guard.
Cortez showed the heart and resilience that characterized her 11-fight winning streak, coming out more aggressively in the second round. She briefly took Namajunas' back in a scramble and threatened with a rear-naked choke, but "Thug Rose" remained composed and eventually reversed position. Namajunas closed the round with a takedown of her own, demonstrating her well-rounded skill set.
The pattern continued through rounds three, four, and five, with Namajunas mixing up her attacks beautifully. She peppered Cortez with her counter right hand whenever the challenger pressed forward, and secured takedowns when the fight entered grappling range. In the third round, Namajunas advanced to full mount after a takedown, though Cortez's defensive grappling prevented any serious submission attempts. While Cortez showed moments of success—particularly with brief bursts of volume striking—she could never sustain any meaningful offense against the more experienced and technically superior Namajunas.
The statistics told the story of Namajunas' dominance: she outlanded Cortez 119 to 85 in total strikes and accumulated over six minutes of control time on the ground. Her left hand proved to be the difference-maker throughout the fight, whether setting up combinations or finishing them with authority. Namajunas also successfully stuffed most of Cortez's takedown attempts while implementing her own wrestling game effectively.
After five rounds, all three judges scored the contest for Namajunas, with two judges seeing it 49-46 and one scoring it slightly closer at 48-47. The victory extended Namajunas' winning streak to two fights at flyweight and positioned her squarely in title contention. In her post-fight interview, an emotional Namajunas expressed her gratitude to the Denver crowd: "When I am here, I can just kind of breathe, you know. I knew she was going to be real tough. She was really good at gaining her guard and recovering."
For Cortez, the loss marked her first defeat in the UFC and snapped her 11-fight overall winning streak. However, competing on short notice against a former two-division champion provided valuable experience about where she currently stands in the elite levels of the division. The weight cut clearly took its toll, as Cortez had to make the agonizing decision to cut her hair the day before the fight after initially missing weight by half a pound. Despite the setback, Cortez demonstrated the toughness and determination that will serve her well in future title pursuits.
Muslim Salikhov vs Santiago Ponzinibbio - Welterweight Co-Main Event
Muslim Salikhov (Russia) defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio (Argentina) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
In a tactical chess match between two aging welterweight veterans seeking to revitalize their careers, 40-year-old Muslim Salikhov edged out 37-year-old Santiago Ponzinibbio in a closely contested three-round affair. Both fighters entered the octagon having gone 1-3 in their last four outings, making this bout crucial for their continued relevance in the 170-pound division.
The first round set the tone for what would be a measured, strategic battle. Salikhov, nicknamed "The King of Kung Fu" for his unorthodox striking style, utilized his diverse arsenal of spinning techniques and creative kicks to score from distance. He landed a spinning back fist that momentarily knocked Ponzinibbio off balance, drawing gasps from the crowd. The Russian also connected with clean left hooks and body kicks, though Ponzinibbio countered effectively with combinations to the body and straight right hands. The round was competitive enough that it could have been scored for either man, though most observers gave the edge to Salikhov for his more eye-catching techniques.
The second round proved decisive for Salikhov's victory. He hurt Ponzinibbio with a sharp left hand that wobbled the Argentine, then capitalized by securing a takedown. On the ground, Salikhov showed superior control, maintaining top position and landing ground strikes while Ponzinibbio struggled to create any offense from his back. Salikhov's striking was sharper and more accurate throughout the round, as he mixed spinning kicks with traditional combinations that kept Ponzinibbio guessing.
With the fight potentially tied going into the final frame, both veterans turned cautious. Ponzinibbio, recognizing he might need a finish, pressed forward more aggressively and attempted multiple takedowns, though Salikhov defended them effectively. The Denver crowd grew restless with the moderate pace of the striking exchanges, but both fighters remained tactical in their approach. Salikhov continued finding success with his left hook and spinning techniques, while Ponzinibbio landed solid combinations when he could close distance.
When the final bell sounded, the outcome was genuinely uncertain. The judges deliberated and returned a split decision verdict: two judges scored the bout 29-28 for Salikhov, while one judge saw it 28-29 for Ponzinibbio. The decision snapped Salikhov's two-fight losing streak and elevated his record to 20-5 (7-4 UFC), marking his first victory since he stopped Andre Fialho in November 2022. For Ponzinibbio, the loss extended his skid to two straight defeats and dropped his record to 29-8 (11-7 UFC), continuing his struggles since returning from a lengthy injury layoff that sidelined him for nearly two years starting in 2018.
Jean Silva vs Drew Dober - Lightweight Bout
Jean Silva (Brazil) defeated Drew Dober (USA) via TKO (doctor's stoppage) at 1:28 of Round 3 - Fight of the Night
In what proved to be the most thrilling and gruesome contest of the evening, Brazilian phenom Jean Silva continued his meteoric rise through the UFC ranks by defeating Denver native Drew Dober in a war that earned both fighters $50,000 Fight of the Night bonuses. What made Silva's performance even more remarkable was that he accepted the fight on just two weeks' notice after Mike Davis withdrew with a torn bicep, and Silva had just competed at UFC 303 two weeks earlier—giving him one of the shortest turnarounds between UFC victories in the modern era.
Silva, moving up from featherweight to lightweight for this bout, showed no signs of being undersized or fatigued despite the quick turnaround and altitude. From the opening bell, the 27-year-old Brazilian showcased the explosive striking that earned him a reputation as "Lord Assassin." He tagged Dober with counter punches and spinning techniques, using his speed advantage from featherweight to great effect. During an exchange in the first round, Silva opened a cut above Dober's right eye that would ultimately determine the outcome of the fight.
Dober, true to his reputation as one of the most durable and exciting fighters at 155 pounds, refused to back down despite the accumulating damage. The 35-year-old veteran pressed forward with his characteristic aggression, landing heavy shots of his own and briefly shaking Silva. The crowd roared in support of their hometown hero, who demonstrated the toughness and heart that has made him a fan favorite throughout his career. However, Silva's power clearly impacted Dober's iron chin in ways few opponents had managed before.
The second round continued at a blistering pace, with both men trading heavy leather in the pocket. Silva connected with more spinning elbows and hard left hands that widened the cut above Dober's right eye. The combination of Silva's featherweight hand speed and his power at lightweight proved problematic for Dober, who found himself absorbing more punishment than expected. Somehow, despite the deteriorating condition of his eye, Dober made it to the bell to end the second round.
Between rounds, referee Herb Dean called in the cageside physician to examine Dober's cut. After a brief consultation, the doctor allowed the fight to continue, much to the delight of the Denver faithful. Sensing urgency, Dober changed tactics and shot for a takedown in the opening seconds of round three. Silva defended with a guillotine choke attempt, and when they separated, it was immediately apparent that Dober's cut had worsened significantly. Blood poured from the gaping wound above his eye as Silva had torn it open further with elbows during the scramble.
Silva, recognizing the severity of the injury, pointed to the cut and indicated to Herb Dean that the fight should be stopped. Dean called the physician back into the octagon for another examination. This time, after wiping away the blood and seeing it immediately gush back out, the doctor ruled that Dober could not safely continue. The TKO stoppage came at 1:28 of round three, giving Silva his second UFC victory in just 14 days—a feat that places him alongside the likes of Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland on the list of quickest turnarounds in modern UFC history.
The Denver crowd, while disappointed with the stoppage, showed their appreciation for both warriors. Dober, in a classy post-fight address despite his devastating loss, told the crowd: "This is what I mean being a warrior. This is what being a fighter is all about." Silva improved his record to 14-2 (3-0 UFC) with all three UFC victories coming by stoppage, cementing his status as one of the most exciting prospects in either the featherweight or lightweight divisions.
Gabriel Bonfim vs Ange Loosa - Welterweight Bout
Gabriel Bonfim (Brazil) defeated Ange Loosa (France/Congo) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Brazilian welterweight Gabriel "Marretinha" Bonfim bounced back from his first UFC loss by outpointing Ange Loosa in a competitive three-round battle that saw both men have their moments but ultimately showcased Bonfim's superior striking and takedown defense. The 26-year-old Bonfim entered the contest having generated considerable hype with two victories in 2023, but suffering an upset loss to Nicolas Dalby in his most recent outing had raised questions about whether he could regain momentum.
Bonfim established his game plan early, maintaining distance and picking Loosa apart with sharp combinations on the feet. The Brazilian's striking accuracy and volume gave him a clear advantage in the first round, as he landed 27 significant strikes while stuffing Loosa's early takedown attempts. The 31-year-old Loosa, representing both France and Congo, struggled to implement his wrestling-heavy approach against Bonfim's excellent takedown defense.
The second round followed a similar pattern, with Bonfim continuing to find success with his boxing combinations. Loosa managed to secure multiple takedowns and accumulated over two minutes of control time in the round, but couldn't generate meaningful offense from top position. Bonfim showed improved defensive grappling, working back to his feet quickly and continuing to outstrike Loosa when the fight returned to standing exchanges.
In the final round, both fighters elevated their intensity. Loosa landed several significant strikes and continued hunting for takedowns, knowing he likely needed a finish or dominant round to steal the victory. Bonfim defended most of the takedown attempts and continued being the sharper, more accurate striker. He mixed his attacks well, going to the body and head, while maintaining the lateral movement that kept him out of extended grappling exchanges.
After 15 minutes of action, all three judges scored the bout for Bonfim: two judges saw it 30-27, while one scored it slightly closer at 29-28. The unanimous decision victory improved Bonfim's record to 16-1 (4-1 UFC) and, more importantly, gave him his first decision win in the promotion after previously finishing all three of his UFC victories. For Loosa, who fell to 10-4 (2-2 UFC, 1 NC), it marked another frustrating defeat in which he couldn't implement his grappling game effectively enough to overcome his opponent's striking advantage.
Julian Erosa vs Christian Rodriguez - Featherweight Bout
Julian Erosa (USA) defeated Christian Rodriguez (USA) via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:49 of Round 1
In a stunning upset that perfectly encapsulated the unpredictability of Julian "Juicy J" Erosa's fighting style, the lanky veteran submitted highly touted prospect Christian Rodriguez with a perfectly timed guillotine choke in the opening round. Rodriguez entered as the betting favorite based on his crisp striking and recent momentum, but Erosa proved once again why he remains one of the most dangerous and entertaining fighters on the roster despite never cracking the top 15.
From the opening bell, Rodriguez looked sharp and aggressive, stalking forward and unloading combinations that repeatedly found their mark. The 25-year-old was systematically piecing up Erosa in the pocket, landing clean shots and appearing to be in complete control of the striking exchanges. For most of the round, Rodriguez was winning convincingly, and many observers had him up significantly on their scorecards.
However, Erosa remained patient despite absorbing punishment, waiting for his opportunity. The 34-year-old veteran's willingness to fight in dangerous positions—often engaging in firefights despite having a significant reach advantage—is exactly what makes him so difficult to prepare for. With less than 15 seconds remaining in the round, Rodriguez shot in for a takedown, perhaps looking to punctuate his dominant round with some ground control.
That split-second decision proved costly. As Rodriguez ducked his head to secure the takedown, Erosa immediately latched onto a guillotine choke. His long arms wrapped around Rodriguez's neck, and Erosa fell to his back, pulling guard and squeezing with tremendous pressure. Rodriguez tried to posture up and escape, but Erosa had locked in the submission too deeply. With only 11 seconds left in the round, Rodriguez was forced to tap at the 4:49 mark, giving Erosa one of the most spectacular come-from-behind victories of his career.
The submission victory improved Erosa's record to 30-11 (10-9 UFC) and demonstrated why matchmakers continue to value him despite his inconsistent results—he's always capable of producing highlight-reel finishes even when appearing to lose fights. For Rodriguez, who fell to 10-2 (2-2 UFC), the loss served as a harsh lesson about the importance of maintaining discipline in dominant positions. He was seconds away from a 10-8 round and instead walked away with a submission defeat.
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Cody Brundage - Middleweight Bout
Abdul Razak Alhassan (Ghana) vs Cody Brundage (USA) - No Contest at 0:37 of Round 1
The main card opener ended in controversial fashion as what began as an explosive exchange devolved into a chaotic no contest when Abdul Razak Alhassan landed multiple illegal elbows to the back of Cody Brundage's head. The fight's premature ending left fans frustrated and both fighters without a result to their names.
Alhassan came out firing with aggressive intent, immediately pressuring Brundage with powerful strikes. When Brundage attempted an early takedown, Alhassan unleashed what commentators described as "Travis Browne elbows"—devastating downward strikes aimed at stopping the takedown attempt. However, in his eagerness to punish the takedown, Alhassan became careless with his targeting.
Multiple elbows landed directly to the back of Brundage's head, prompting referee Dan Miragliotta to immediately halt the action. The Factory X representative was given time to recover, as the rules stipulate for fouls, but Brundage was unable to continue competing. After a consultation with the ringside physician, Miragliotta ruled the bout a no contest rather than a disqualification.
The ruling was particularly significant for Brundage, as this marked the second time in four fights he found himself on the receiving end of illegal strikes that ended his bout. His September 2023 contest against Jacob Malkoun had ended in a disqualification after similar illegal blows. For Alhassan, the no contest prevented what appeared to be building toward a dominant performance, though his lack of control over his striking placement raised concerns about his discipline.
Both fighters left the octagon without adding a victory or defeat to their records, though the fight will forever be remembered for its controversial and abrupt ending just 37 seconds into the opening round.
The Prelims - UFC on ESPN 59: Namajunas vs Cortez
Charles Johnson vs Joshua Van - Flyweight Bout
Charles Johnson (USA) defeated Joshua Van (USA) via knockout (punches) at 0:20 of Round 3 - Performance of the Night
In what proved to be one of the most dramatic comebacks of the evening, Charles "InnerG" Johnson erased a difficult first two rounds by landing a devastating uppercut just 20 seconds into the third round, earning himself a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and announcing his return to winning ways in spectacular fashion.
Van, a 22-year-old prospect riding an eight-fight winning streak, appeared to be cruising toward victory through the first two rounds. "The Fearless" brought relentless pressure and powerful combination punching that had Johnson on the defensive for extended periods. Van's striking clearly carried more power, and the impact differential was noticeable throughout the early going. Johnson's movement looked slightly awkward at times—resembling an MMA fighter trying to emulate Muay Thai strategies rather than someone with decades of Nak Muay experience.
However, Johnson never stopped working despite being behind on the scorecards. The 35-year-old veteran, who took the fight on just 11 days' notice after losing three of his previous five fights, employed a smart game plan of variety and angles. He switched stances frequently, threw round kicks, step-in elbows, and spinning strikes, constantly chipping away at Van's lead leg and arms with left kicks from the southpaw stance. While individual strikes may not have been winning him rounds, Johnson was systematically breaking down Van's offensive weapons.
As the third round began, Van pressed forward with the same aggressive tactics that had served him well. He threw a combination and Johnson, timing the exchange perfectly, uncorked a massive right uppercut from the orthodox stance. The punch connected flush on Van's chin, and the young prospect's legs immediately betrayed him. He crumpled to the canvas, and Johnson followed with ground strikes that prompted the referee to wave off the contest at just 20 seconds of the final round.
The knockout victory was Johnson's third win in 2024 and improved his record to 17-7 (7-7 UFC), potentially punching his ticket to the flyweight top 15. For Van, who dropped to 12-2 (3-1 UFC), the loss served as a reminder that one mistake can erase 14 minutes and 40 seconds of excellent work.
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Fatima Kline - Women's Flyweight Bout
Jasmine Jasudavicius (Canada) defeated Fatima Kline (USA) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Canadian flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius continued her steady climb up the women's 125-pound rankings with a dominant three-round shutout of UFC newcomer Fatima Kline. The 33-year-old Jasudavicius utilized superior grappling and control to neutralize Kline's undefeated record and welcome her to the highest level of competition.
Kline, the Cage Fury FC double-champion making her UFC debut on short notice, entered the octagon with a perfect 6-0 professional record and the confidence of never tasting defeat. However, Jasudavicius quickly established that the level of competition in the UFC represents a significant step up from regional shows. The Canadian immediately took the fight to the ground and imposed her will with grinding top control.
Throughout all three rounds, Jasudavicius showcased the well-rounded game that earned her the #15 ranking in the division. Her wrestling was relentless, with successful takedowns in each round. On top, she demonstrated patient and intelligent position work, advancing to dominant positions and landing ground strikes while neutralizing Kline's attempts to scramble back to her feet. Kline showed heart and toughness, refusing to quit despite being thoroughly controlled, but she could never generate enough offense to steal any rounds.
The striking exchanges, when they occurred, were relatively even, with both women landing clean shots. However, the fight was decided on the ground, where Jasudavicius' experience and technique proved too much for the debuting fighter. After 15 minutes of action, all three judges scored every round for Jasudavicius, returning identical 30-27 scorecards.
The victory improved Jasudavicius' record to 11-3 (4-1 UFC) and built on her impressive first-round submission win over Priscila Cachoeira at UFC 297 in January. For Kline, who fell to 6-1, the loss was a harsh but valuable lesson about the gulf in competition between regional circuits and the UFC.
Montel Jackson vs Da'Mon Blackshear - Bantamweight Bout
Montel Jackson (USA) defeated Da'Mon Blackshear (USA) via knockout (punches) at 0:18 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night
In what became the second-fastest knockout in UFC bantamweight history, Montel "Quik" Jackson lived up to his nickname by demolishing Da'Mon Blackshear with a perfectly timed combination just 18 seconds into their contest. The explosive finish earned Jackson a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and extended his winning streak to five consecutive victories.
Jackson, standing 5'10" with a massive frame for the 135-pound division, wasted no time establishing his physical and technical advantages. As Blackshear attempted to press forward with his own offense, Jackson met him with a crisp 1-2 combination—a straight right hand followed immediately by a devastating left hand that sent Blackshear crashing face-first to the canvas. The precision and timing of the combination were flawless, catching Blackshear in the act of stepping forward into his own attack.
Jackson pounced immediately, landing several follow-up strikes on the grounded Blackshear before the referee could intervene. The fight was waved off at the 18-second mark, giving Jackson one of the most emphatic victories of his career and announcing his arrival as a legitimate contender in the bantamweight division.
The victory improved Jackson's record to 14-2 (8-2 UFC) and demonstrated why he's quietly become one of the most dangerous fighters in the 135-pound weight class. His combination of size, power, wrestling base, and explosive striking makes him a nightmare matchup for any bantamweight. Jackson's eight UFC victories have come with a frightening consistency of knockdowns and now knockouts, suggesting he's ready for a step up in competition against ranked opponents.
For Blackshear, who fell to 14-7-1 (4-4-1 UFC), the loss was a brutal setback that highlighted the razor-thin margins for error at the highest level. One momentary lapse in defensive awareness resulted in an 18-second knockout that erased weeks of training camp preparation.
Luana Santos vs Mariya Agapova - Women's Flyweight Bout
Luana Santos (Brazil) defeated Mariya Agapova (Kazakhstan) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:27 of Round 1
Brazilian flyweight Luana Santos made short work of struggling veteran Mariya Agapova, dominating from start to finish before securing a first-round rear-naked choke that pushed her UFC record to a perfect 3-0. The fight was never competitive, as Santos overwhelmed Agapova with superior grappling and finishing ability.
From the opening bell, Santos pressed forward with confidence and aggression. She quickly established her wrestling dominance, taking Agapova down and advancing to dominant positions with relative ease. Once on the ground, Santos demonstrated the patient and technical approach of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert, methodically working toward submission rather than rushing and making mistakes.
Agapova, who has struggled mightily since making her UFC debut in 2020 with a promising knockout victory, showed little resistance to Santos' grappling advances. The Kazakhstani fighter has now compiled a disappointing 2-4 record inside the octagon, with losses in four of her last five appearances. Her inability to defend against competent grapplers has become a glaring weakness that opponents have exploited repeatedly.
Santos eventually took Agapova's back and locked in a textbook rear-naked choke. With the choke sunk deep under the chin, Agapova had no choice but to tap at the 3:27 mark of the opening round. The submission victory extended Santos' winning streak to five consecutive fights overall and announced her as a legitimate prospect in the women's flyweight division.
The performance showcased Santos' well-rounded skill set and finishing instincts, qualities that should serve her well as she faces increasingly difficult competition in the UFC's 125-pound women's division. For Agapova, the loss raised serious questions about her future with the promotion, as she has failed to build any momentum since her promising debut four years ago.
The Early Prelims - UFC on ESPN 59: Namajunas vs Cortez
Andre Petroski vs Josh Fremd - Middleweight Bout
Andre Petroski (USA) defeated Josh Fremd (USA) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Pennsylvania native Andre Petroski snapped a troublesome two-fight losing streak by dominating fellow American Josh Fremd over three rounds of middleweight action. The 33-year-old Petroski, who had been obliterated by Jacob Malkoun in his previous outing and stopped by Rodolfo Vieira before that, desperately needed a victory to keep his UFC career on track.
Petroski implemented an intelligent game plan from the opening round, utilizing his wrestling and superior conditioning to grind down Fremd. The switch-stance fighter mixed his striking effectively, landing 3.50 significant strikes per minute while keeping Fremd guessing with stance changes and varied attack angles. More importantly, Petroski's takedowns and control time proved decisive, as he converted 54% of his takedown attempts and spent significant portions of each round in dominant positions.
Fremd, a 30-year-old from Pennsylvania standing 6'4" with a 76-inch reach, tried to use his size and range advantages but couldn't keep Petroski at distance consistently enough. The lanky middleweight connected on some solid strikes when the fight remained standing, but Petroski's wrestling nullified much of Fremd's offense. Fremd's takedown defense, historically a weakness at just 31%, was again exploited as Petroski repeatedly brought the fight to the mat.
The pattern continued through all three rounds, with Petroski implementing a pace that exhausted Fremd while accumulating control time and positional dominance. By the final round, Fremd appeared depleted and unable to mount any meaningful comeback. All three judges scored the bout identically at 30-27 for Petroski, giving him his fourth UFC victory and improving his record to 11-4 (4-4 UFC).
For Fremd, who dropped to 11-5 (2-3 UFC), the loss marked his second consecutive defeat after being knocked out by Roman Kopylov in September. The Pennsylvania native will need to make significant adjustments to his takedown defense and conditioning if he hopes to find success against the division's grapplers.
Evan Elder vs Darrius Flowers - Welterweight Bout
Evan Elder (USA) defeated Darrius Flowers (USA) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:46 of Round 2
In a late addition to the card, California's Evan "The Phenom" Elder bounced back from an 0-2 start to his UFC career by submitting Iowa's Darrius Flowers with a brutal arm-triangle choke in the second round. The bout was added to the card just days before the event to give the prelims an additional fight.
Elder, a 27-year-old switch-stance fighter standing 5'10" with a 72-inch reach, found early success with his striking diversity in the opening round. He landed body kicks, combinations, high kicks, and overhand rights that kept Flowers on the defensive. The first round was competitive and busy, with both men trading strikes at a high pace, but Elder's variety and accuracy gave him the edge.
The finish came in the second round when Flowers' conditioning betrayed him. Elder recognized his opponent's fatigue and immediately went to work on the ground. He secured an arm-triangle choke—also known as a kata-gatame in judo—and squeezed with tremendous pressure. Flowers tried desperately to escape, but Elder's positioning was perfect. With his opponent trapped and unable to breathe, Flowers was forced to tap at the 1:46 mark of round two.
The victory was Elder's second consecutive win in the UFC after he defeated Genaro Valdez nearly a year earlier to break into the win column. The submission improved Elder's record to 9-2 (2-2 UFC) and gave him momentum heading into future matchups. After the win, Elder made headlines by shouting out former President Donald Trump in his post-fight interview, adding a political element to his victory celebration.
For Flowers, a 29-year-old standing 5'9", the loss was devastating as it marked his third consecutive defeat inside the octagon. After earning his UFC contract by stopping Amiran Gogoladze via first-round TKO at Dana White's Contender Series in 2022, Flowers has gone winless in three UFC appearances. At 12-8-1 overall, Flowers faces serious questions about his future with the promotion and will need to make significant improvements if given another opportunity.
Event Aftermath and Bonuses - UFC on ESPN 59: Namajunas vs Cortez
UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez proved to be a financial and competitive success for the promotion, drawing 16,884 fans to Ball Arena and generating $2,374,303 in gate revenue. The sold-out crowd witnessed an evening of varied action that showcased both the beauty and brutality of mixed martial arts competition.
The UFC awarded $50,000 bonuses to four deserving fighters for their exceptional performances. Jean Silva and Drew Dober shared the Fight of the Night honor for their brutal and bloody war that captivated viewers and demonstrated the heart of both combatants. The doctor's stoppage due to Dober's horrific cut took nothing away from the incredible action that preceded it, as both men left everything in the octagon in front of a rabid Denver crowd.
Performance of the Night bonuses went to Charles Johnson for his dramatic third-round comeback knockout of Joshua Van, and to Montel Jackson for his explosive 18-second destruction of Da'Mon Blackshear—the second-fastest knockout in bantamweight history. Both finishes exemplified the unpredictable nature of MMA, where fights can change or end in an instant.
Rose Namajunas' dominant victory positioned her firmly in the title picture at flyweight. With consecutive wins over ranked opponents Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez, "Thug Rose" has made a compelling case for a title shot against whoever emerges from the expected trilogy bout between champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. At 32 years old, Namajunas appears to have found new life at 125 pounds, where she doesn't endure the brutal weight cuts that plagued her strawweight career.
Jean Silva's remarkable achievement of winning twice in 14 days places him in elite company alongside fighters like Khamzat Chimaev who have accomplished similar feats. His willingness to take fights on short notice, move between weight classes, and fight in hostile territory demonstrates the confidence and capability that could make him a future title challenger. Fighting Nerds prospect "Lord Assassin" now holds a 14-2 record with all three UFC victories coming by stoppage.
Tracy Cortez, despite the loss, earned respect for stepping up on short notice and making the difficult decision to cut her hair to make weight. Her emotional journey from being scheduled to fight Miranda Maverick the following week to headlining a UFC event against a former champion showcased her dedication to the sport. While her 11-fight winning streak came to an end, Cortez proved she belongs among the flyweight elite and will undoubtedly return stronger from the experience.
The event marked the UFC's first return to Denver since the historic 25th-anniversary card in 2018, and the Colorado crowd demonstrated their passion for MMA throughout the evening. From the explosive early finishes to the technical brilliance of the main event, UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez delivered entertainment value that belied its Fight Night status and reminded fans why Denver remains one of the promotion's favorite destinations.
Looking ahead, the results from this event will have ripple effects throughout multiple divisions. Rose Namajunas awaits her title opportunity at flyweight, Montel Jackson has earned his right to face ranked bantamweight competition, and Jean Silva must decide whether his future lies at featherweight or lightweight. Muslim Salikhov's victory keeps him relevant in the welterweight division, though at 40 years old, time is running short for another serious title run.
UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez will be remembered as an event that exceeded expectations despite losing its original main event participants. The combination of dramatic finishes, technical excellence, and heartfelt performances created an evening of fights that showcased everything great about mixed martial arts—skill, heart, unpredictability, and the unwavering courage of athletes willing to compete at the highest level of the sport.
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