Tracy Cortez's Hair-Raising Weight Cut Saves Denver UFC Main Event

UFC Fight Night's main event was almost canceled when Tracy Cortez weighed in half a pound over the flyweight limit. However, she found a unique solution: she cut off her hair to make the weight and save the fight.

UFC Fight Night in Denver on Saturday night almost saw its main event nixed due to a technicality. Tracy Cortez, who was scheduled to fight Rose Namajunas in a women's flyweight bout, initially weighed in half a pound over the 126-pound limit.

With time ticking away and few options to shed the excess weight, Cortez had an epiphany: grab the scissors.

Tracy Cortez's Hair-Raising Weight Cut Saves Denver UFC Main Event

Literally.

Cortez, a Scottsdale native, chopped off her locks, hopped back on the scale, and tipped it at 126 pounds on the dot.

Tracy Cortez's Hair-Raising Weight Cut Saves Denver UFC Main Event

"What was it, .5 [pounds]?" she told ESPN afterward. "I was like, 'No hesitation. We'll do whatever it takes. This is a big opportunity.'"

Namajunas, for her part, weighed in at 124.75 pounds.

Tracy Cortez's Hair-Raising Weight Cut Saves Denver UFC Main Event

The main event was originally supposed to feature Namajunas against Maycee Barber, but Barber withdrew due to lingering health issues. Cortez stepped up to the plate and has won 11 straight fights since losing her pro debut.

Despite her impressive streak, Cortez is the underdog against the more experienced Namajunas, who has a 12-6 record. Namajunas ranks 11th in the flyweight rankings and ninth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Cortez, meanwhile, is unranked.

The Denver card features six fights in total, serving as a warm-up to UFC 304 in England two weeks later.

Cortez's hair-raising weight cut is a reminder of the sacrifices fighters make to compete at the highest level. It also adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated main event.

* Cortez's willingness to cut her hair to make weight drew praise from fellow fighters and fans alike.

* UFC President Dana White said that Cortez's quick thinking saved the main event.

* Namajunas, who is known for her stoic demeanor, expressed admiration for Cortez's determination.

* Cortez's victory over Namajunas would be a major upset and would significantly boost her stock in the UFC.

* The Denver crowd is expected to be heavily in Cortez's favor, as she is a local fighter.

* Cortez's unique weight cut has already become a viral sensation on social media.

* Fans are eagerly awaiting the main event, which is sure to provide fireworks regardless of the outcome.

* Cortez's journey to the main event has been a roller coaster of emotions, and she is determined to make the most of this opportunity.

* The Denver UFC Fight Night card is stacked with exciting matchups, and Cortez vs. Namajunas is just one of many fights to watch.