Tracy Cortez had a big task in front of her with a short-notice main event bout against former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night Denver.
Though she managed to go the distance, Cortez was largely dominated from the opening minute of the contest, going on to lose via unanimous decision.
While coming up on the short end and not getting the result she'd hoped for left a better sting, Cortez told ESPN MMA's Megan Olivi that she felt proud of being able to last a full five rounds with someone as highly regarded as Namajunas.
Cortez added that perhaps the fight could have played out differently with a full fight camp.
I took it on two weeks' notice, unprepared," Cortez said. "I gave it all I have. I know if I were to have had a full camp, prepared...I mean, my cardio was there. I think I would have done a lot better with a good gameplan.
But I think I proved myself tonight that I can go full fives [rounds]. Looking forward to the next one," Cortez added.
Tracy Cortez Feels Early Pacing Of Self May Have Cost Her Fight
Cortez was dropped early into the first round, with Namajunas putting on a beautiful striking display. The #11-ranked contender tried to battle back in the second round with her grappling skills, but Namajunas' strikes remained on point and she showed her grappling ability in the third to counter Cortez.
The late-notice replacement fighter looked for a mountain of offense in the fifth round, but it wasn't enough.
Because it was five fives, I was really trying to pace myself the first and second round," Cortez said. "I just realized...give it all I have. It's all or nothing. I think I waited a little too long to really push it on her.
Cortez isn't letting this loss deter her, however. She wants to use this experience and get back into the cage as soon as possible.
Last time I fought, I went on a killer streak," Cortez noted. "I'm not here to prove [to] the world, I'm here to prove [to] myself.