UFC fighter Tracy Cortez resorted to an unusual method to meet the weight limit for her main event fight against Rose Namajunas, cutting off her hair to qualify.
In the lead-up to UFC Fight Night in Denver on Saturday, the main event between Tracy Cortez and Rose Namajunas faced a potential hurdle when Cortez initially weighed in slightly overweight for the women's flyweight bout.
With the scale displaying a reading of 126.5 pounds, Cortez was half a pound over the maximum weight limit. Time was running out, and traditional methods of weight reduction might not have been effective.
UFC Fighter's Drastic Hair Cut to Make Weight Limit
Desperate to participate in the highly anticipated match, Cortez came up with an unconventional solution: cutting off her locks.
"What was it, .5 [pounds]?" Cortez remarked to ESPN after the weigh-in. "I was like, 'No hesitation. We'll do whatever it takes. This is a big opportunity.'"
UFC Fighter's Drastic Hair Cut to Make Weight Limit
With her newly shorn hairstyle, Cortez stepped back onto the scale and finally registered a weight of 126 pounds, meeting the requirement.
Namajunas, Cortez's opponent, weighed in at 124.75 pounds. Originally, Namajunas was set to face Maycee Barber, who had to withdraw due to health concerns.
UFC Fighter's Drastic Hair Cut to Make Weight Limit
Cortez has enjoyed an impressive streak of 11 consecutive victories since losing her debut fight. However, she is considered the underdog against the more experienced Namajunas, who holds a record of 12-6.
Namajunas currently ranks 11th in the flyweight rankings, with a notable milestone of defeating Zhang Weili to capture the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship twice. Cortez currently ranks outside the top 10 in the division.
The UFC Fight Night card in Denver features six fights, with the main event expected to be a thrilling contest between two determined fighters. Fans can expect an action-packed night of combat as both Cortez and Namajunas bring their skills and determination to the Octagon.
