UFC fans witnessed a harsh reality for one of the sport’s rising stars on Saturday as Tracey Cortez left the octagon battered and bruised.
The popular fighter, admired both for her skill and her striking looks, suffered a second-round submission defeat at the hands of Erin Blanchfield.
Brutal Exchanges Define the Fight
Before the fight-ending choke, Cortez endured a series of punishing strikes that left visible marks on her face.
By the time Blanchfield locked in a rear-naked choke, Cortez was crouched on the canvas, blood trickling down from a cut above her forehead.
Swelling around her right eye and multiple cuts told the story of a hard-fought battle that slipped away despite her best efforts.
Momentum Swings but Cortez Struggles to Regain Control
There were fleeting moments where Cortez appeared to push back, finding openings to counter her opponent.
Yet, Blanchfield’s precision and power ultimately dictated the pace.
A sharp, well-timed combination early in the fight reopened the cut over Cortez’s eye, setting the tone for what would become a challenging night inside the cage.
A First Career Finish in the UFC
This marked a new chapter for Cortez: the first time she has been finished inside the UFC.
Previously, her only loss came last July to Rose Namajunas via decision.
The setback will likely fuel her determination to return stronger and refine her strategy for future matchups.
Blanchfield Proves Her Return Was Worth the Wait
For Blanchfield, the win was more than just a victory—it was redemption.
After spending a year away from the octagon, she returned to silence doubters and exact revenge for her loss to Cortez on the regional scene in 2019.
The performance demonstrated both skill and resilience, putting her back firmly in the spotlight.
Excitement Earlier on the Card
The night had other surprises, too. On the prelims, Ethyn Ewing turned heads with a dominant display, defeating Malcolm Wellmaker despite stepping in on only two days’ notice.
The win added an unexpected highlight to the evening and kept the crowd buzzing at Madison Square Garden.
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