In what has become a troubling saga for MMA fans, the anticipated showdown between Tracy Cortez and Miranda Maverick has been canceled yet again due to an injury affecting Cortez. Scheduled for December 14 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, this match-up was expected to be a thrilling encounter for UFC on ESPN 63. Yet, with Cortez (11-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) bowing out for injury reasons, the anticipation has once more turned into disappointment. Maverick (14-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC), however, may still have a chance to compete, as she remains on the card, poised for a new opponent.
This match was initially slated for July 20th in Las Vegas, a date that never came to fruition. When Cortez’s original opponent, Maycee Barber, was forced to withdraw from her main event earlier in July, Cortez stepped in to fight Rose Namajunas. Unfortunately, her debut in a significant fight did not go as planned, culminating in a unanimous decision loss. Meanwhile, Maverick capitalized on the situation, securing an impressive victory over Dione Barbosa within the same timeframe. It seems that a series of misfortunes has plagued the Cortez-Maverick matchup, making fans wonder if this fight is destined to remain elusive.
Even as injuries disrupt the fight landscape, the UFC’s upcoming card remains a spectacle worth viewing. As it stands, the event will feature an exciting line-up beyond the missing bout of Cortez and Maverick. Notable fighters such as Ian Machado Garry, Joaquin Buckley, and Mackenzie Dern will still step into the octagon, keeping fans enthused despite the changes. Prominent encounters like Dustin Jacoby going up against Vitor Petrino promise to deliver high-octane action, ensuring that UFC on ESPN 63 will not lack in star power.
For Cortez, this injury-related withdrawal adds another layer of frustration, complicating her career trajectory and fight preparation. This incident raises questions regarding her health and readiness to compete moving forward. On the flip side, Maverick’s prospects appear less cloudy, as she is expected to face a new challenger, thereby maintaining her competitive momentum. Nevertheless, the unpredictability inherent in combat sports makes it difficult to ascertain the future match-ups and timings that await both competitors.
Looking ahead, one can only hope that the bouts surrounding Cortez and Maverick solidify, and that they can eventually square off in the octagon for what could be a thrilling clash. The continuity of injuries within the roster serves as a reminder of the rigorous physical demands placed on MMA fighters, where even the slightest misstep can sideline a career. Fans will remain watchful, eagerly anticipating not just the UFC on ESPN 63 event, but also the eventual return of Cortez and a definitive showdown against Maverick.