Rose Namajunas: Winners and Losers from UFC on ESPN 59

 Welcome to another exciting episode of the "Thug Rose" Show, featuring two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, who is now pursuing her third UFC title reign, this time in the flyweight division. The latest chapter in her journey took place in Denver, where she faced off against Tracy Cortez in a five-round main event at Ball Arena.

At 32, Namajunas has been active outside the pay-per-view spotlight, fighting twice since her last title reign ended. She dropped a three-round decision to Manon Fiorot in her 125-pound debut in September before securing a five-round victory over Amanda Ribas in March. Ranked sixth in the flyweight division, Namajunas was originally set to fight No. 4 Maycee Barber, who had to withdraw due to health issues. Tracy Cortez, ranked 11th, stepped in as her replacement.

Cortez, unbeaten in her five UFC bouts since a win on Dana White's Contender Series in 2019, had most recently secured a unanimous decision over Jasmine Jasudavicius in September. Despite her impressive record, Cortez was no match for the seasoned Namajunas.

Namajunas controlled the fight from start to finish, demonstrating superior distance management and precise striking. Her first-round performance included a flash knockdown with a lead left hook. Over five rounds, Namajunas accumulated five takedowns and over six minutes of control time, leaving Cortez with no effective counter.

The judges unanimously scored the fight in favor of Namajunas, with two awarding her a 4-1 advantage in rounds and the third judge scoring it 3-2. This victory puts Namajunas on a path toward the top of the flyweight division, currently ruled by Alexa Grasso after Valentina Shevchenko's reign from 2018 to 2023.

"Give me the belt, man. I want it," Namajunas declared post-fight. "I was Colorado's first UFC champion and I'd like to bring a second one back. Or maybe a women's BMF fight."

In the co-main event, a welterweight clash between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov failed to deliver the expected fireworks. Despite their menacing nicknames—Ponzinibbio as the "Argentine Dagger" and Salikhov as the "King of Kung Fu"—the fight was a dull affair. Salikhov won by split decision, but the bout was marred by prolonged boos from the audience, highlighting the lack of excitement.

Elsewhere on the card, Brazilian featherweight Jean Silva continued his impressive run. Fresh off a KO win two weeks prior, Silva faced veteran lightweight Drew Dober. Silva's striking was sharp and varied, ultimately opening a gruesome cut above Dober's right eye, leading to a TKO stoppage in the third round.

Analyst Dominick Cruz praised Silva's performance: "We already knew he was a real prospect. Two weeks later, on the road at elevation against Drew Dober, and he does that? That's an A-plus."

Silva's performance solidified his status as a rising star in the UFC, showcasing his ability to dominate across multiple weight classes.