UFC Fight Night Denver Odds, Picks & Predictions: Namajunas vs Cortez & More

• UFC Fight Night takes place this Saturday in Denver, Colorado (July 13)
•  Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez headlines the main card
• Read below for UFC Fight Night Denver odds, picks, and predictions

The Octagon heads to the Mile High City this Saturday, July 13 for UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez. Taking place at Denver’s Ball Arena, the event will feature a women’s flyweight headliner with former strawweight titleholder Rose Namajunas facing rising star Tracy Cortez.

Here are the UFC Fight Night Denver odds for the main card, followed by our expert predictions.

UFC Fight Night Denver Odds – Main Card

In the UFC Fight Night Denver odds, Gabriel Bonfim is the heaviest favorite on the main card. The 26-year-old Brazilian is priced at -340 in his bout with Ange Loosa, which is 77% implied win probability.

The main card airs live on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+ at 7 p.m ET.

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UFC Fight Night odds as of June. 11, at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’ve already registered at DK, check out ESPN Bet for a UFC Fight Night Denver promo. 

Rose Namajunas vs Tracy Cortez Prediction

Namajunas (13-6) looks to make it two straight at 125 pounds after scoring a dominant decision win over Amanda Ribas in her flyweight debut back in March. Prior to that, “Thug Rose” dropped consecutive fights to Carla Esparza and Manon Fiorot.

Despite those setbacks, Namajunas showed in the Ribas fight that she’s still one of the best strikers in the game. Her footwork, speed, and precision are a problem for anyone at flyweight.

Meanwhile, Cortez (11-1) enters this short-notice opportunity riding an 11-fight win streak. The Dana White Contender Series alum has been flawless in the UFC, racking up victories over Mariya Agapova, Justine Kish, and Melissa Gatto.

Cortez is a grinding wrestler with solid cardio, but she’s never faced anyone with Namajunas’ striking pedigree. I’ve been high on her for a while now, but this feels like too big of a step up in competition.

Namajunas’ striking is on another level compared to anyone Cortez has faced. Unless Cortez can consistently take Rose down and keep her there, it’s going to be a long night for the 29-year-old.

Namajunas’ experience in 5-round fights and her ability to keep this fight standing should be the difference. Give me Namajunas to win a lopsided decision in the -220 range.

• Pick: Rose Namajunas (-218)

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Muslim Salikhov Prediction

The co-main event features a battle of welterweight veterans as Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on Muslim Salikhov. Ponzinibbio (30-7) aims to rebound from a disappointing KO loss to Kevin Holland in his last outing. The Argentinian striker has dynamite in his hands, but his chin has been suspect in recent fights.

Ponzinibbio needs a vintage performance to stay relevant in the stacked welterweight division. Oddsmakers are bullish on his chances of emerging victorious, pricing the 37-year-old as a heavy -185 favorite, which is only a 65% implied win probability.

Santiago Ponzinibbio KOs Alex Morono in Round 3

Great Comeback Finish from Ponz pic.twitter.com/sNuMKGRKaH

— Ocelot MMA (@Ocelot_MMA) April 5, 2023

Salikhov (19-5) also finds himself in a must-win situation after dropping back-to-back fights against Li Jingliang and Randy Brown. The “King of Kung Fu” is a dangerous striker with a wealth of experience, but at 40-years-old, his best days may be behind him.

Neither guy is in their prime anymore, but I still give Ponzinibbio a clear edge in this matchup. The Argentinian has the crisper boxing and knows more ways to win.

Salikhov is dangerous early, but his cardio and durability are major question marks at this stage of his career. Ponzinibbio is sitting around -185, which seems like a fair price. I’ll take Ponzinibbio to win inside the distance.

• Pick: Santiago Ponzinibbio (-185)

UFC Denver Quick Picks

Here are a few of our other expert UFC Fight Night Denver picks we’ve locked in for Saturday:

Drew Dober vs Jean Silva Prediction

Silva impressed in his last outing, starching Charles Jourdain in under a round. However, Dober’s experience and power give him the edge here. The Colorado native has never been finished by strikes and has shown improved takedown defense in recent fights. Look for Dober to find the knockout in a wild brawl.

• Pick: Drew Dober (-110)

Gabriel Bonfim vs Ange Loosa Prediciton

Bonfim suffered his first career loss last time out, getting stopped by Nicolas Dalby. However, the Brazilian prospect is still one of the most promising fighters at 170 pounds. His grappling is on another level compared to Loosa, who has never been submitted.

Jumped the guillotine and got the finish 😮‍💨

Gabriel Bonfim returns to the Octagon Saturday night at #UFCDenver! pic.twitter.com/J1qQntpOC0

— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2024

Bonfim should be able to dominate on the mat and eventually lock up a submission. The price is steep, but Bonfim is a solid parlay piece.

• Pick: Gabriel Bonfim (-340)

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Cody Brundage Prediction

Alhassan is the definition of a glass cannon. The Ghanaian powerhouse has insane knockout power, but his gas tank and grappling are suspect. Brundage is a grinder who will look to take this fight to the mat early and often.

However, if Alhassan can stuff the initial takedown attempts, look for “Judo Thunder” to score another highlight reel KO.

• Pick: Abdul Razak Alhassan (-162)