Prediction: tracy Cortez via Decision
Araujo’s biggest threat is obvious: raw power and speed. She’s explosive, hits hard, and when she’s fresh, she brings serious pressure. But that pressure is straight-line. No real feints, no setups, no angle changes—just brute force marching forward. That works against fighters who freeze under pressure, but Cortez isn’t one of them.
Cortez has hand speed of her own, and she’s sneaky clean in the pocket. Her combinations are tight, and she’s smart with her in-and-out movement. That slight bounce she keeps on her feet lets her land, reset, and avoid the big counters. That’s going to be key in this matchup, because Araujo is there to be hit. She doesn’t move her head much, and when she commits, she commits hard—which leaves her wide open for short counters and quick pivots out.
The longer this fight goes, the more it leans into Cortez’s style. Araujo tends to slow after a round or so, especially when she’s forced to defend takedowns or work off her back foot. That’s where Cortez starts pulling away. She’s got a legit wrestling advantage here, and it’s not just about the takedowns—it’s about the grind. Cortez knows how to chain attempts, control positions, and wear on her opponents. And once Araujo starts slowing down, that’s when the cage control and top pressure really start racking up points.
This isn’t going to be a flashy win. It’s going to be a smart, layered approach where Cortez stays composed early, lets Araujo gas trying to land something big, and then dials up the pressure with her pace, her clinch work, and her wrestling. If you’re on Cortez, you’re betting on IQ, cardio, and clean decision-friendly work. That’s the side—and it’s the side that wins more often than not in this kind of matchup.