Tracy Cortez: Who Is She? A Deep Dive Into the Life of the UFC Flyweight Star
Tracy Cortez isn’t just a name in the world of MMA — she’s a rising force, a fighter with grit, heart, and an inspiring journey through triumph and personal evolution. From her early beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona, to competing at the highest levels of the UFC women’s flyweight division, Cortez’s story combines athletic excellence with high-profile relationships that have intrigued fans worldwide.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore her age and background, her professional MMA career, her current relationship with Alex Pereira, and the past bond with Brian Ortega. We’ll also tackle common questions about her personal life and relationships.
1. Early Life and Background
Born on December 10, 1993, in Phoenix, Arizona, Tracy R. Cortez grew up in a household of Mexican immigrants and developed a passion for combat sports early in life. Inspired by watching her older brother José compete, she began MMA training at just 14 years old, a decision that would set the course for her future in professional fighting. Tragically, her brother faced health battles and passed away, a life event that shaped her resilience both inside and outside the Octagon.
Cortez’s upbringing was rooted in family, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that later defined her fighting style. Her journey was not just about athletic success but overcoming personal loss and adversity to chase her dreams.
2. MMA Career: Rise in the UFC
Tracy Cortez’s path to UFC prominence was marked by hard work, commitment, and standout performances. After years competing in regional circuits, she earned her UFC contract and debuted in November 2019. Since then, she’s become a respected competitor in the women’s flyweight division, known for her grappling skills, striking versatility, and strategic fight IQ.
Her rise through the ranks has earned Cortez respect from both fans and peers, culminating in multiple victories and ranking recognition inside the ultra-competitive division.
3. How Old Is Tracy Cortez?
As of early 2026, Tracy Cortez is 32 years old, having been born on December 10, 1993. At this stage in her career, she’s in her athletic prime — blending experience with the drive to ascend toward title contention.
4. Personal Life: Relationships and Public Dating History
Tracy Cortez’s personal life has also been the subject of significant public interest, particularly her dating life and relationships:
Current Relationship: Alex Pereira
In early January 2026, Tracy Cortez and fellow UFC star Alex Pereira publicly confirmed they are in a romantic relationship. The couple surprised many fans when they shared photos and videos from their New Year’s Eve celebration together, including a kiss captured in an Instagram post that signaled their official status.
Alex Pereira (born July 7, 1987) is a celebrated Brazilian fighter and a former light heavyweight champion in the UFC. He is 38 years old, creating a modest age gap between him and Cortez — which they appear to embrace publicly.
Their relationship generated buzz not only because they are both elite UFC athletes but also because it marks a new chapter in Cortez’s personal life following her split from Brian Ortega. At the time of this article, the couple continue to share glimpses of their time together on social media, hinting at a supportive bond beyond the Octagon.
It is important to note that while the relationship is now publicly acknowledged, both athletes have kept many details of their life together private, choosing to let photos and rare public moments speak for themselves.
Past Relationship: Brian Ortega
Before her current relationship with Pereira, Tracy Cortez was in a highly publicized relationship with fellow UFC fighter Brian Ortega. They began dating in 2020, quickly becoming one of MMA’s most talked-about couples. They were often wrapped in media attention, attending UFC events and supporting each other’s careers.
Ortega famously tattooed “Tracy” inside his lip for Valentine’s Day in 2022, a gesture that signified both emotional commitment and the intense public interest in their relationship. However, by 2023, Cortez and Ortega had ended their engagement and removed public references to each other on social media — signaling the end of their romantic chapter.
Reports from fans and media suggest they parted on complex terms, with the couple deleting posts and refraining from commenting on the reasons behind their split. Nonetheless, their time together remains a memorable part of both fighters’ personal narratives.
5. Beyond Relationships: Legacy and Influence
While her love life draws attention, Tracy’s influence extends much further. She has become an inspiration for many young athletes — especially women of Mexican-American heritage — balancing career growth, family motivation, and the pressures of high-stakes competition.
Her willingness to share parts of her personal life, including struggles with weight management, mental health, and career setbacks, has endeared her to fans around the world. Her journey reflects the reality of modern MMA fighters: dynamic, vulnerable, and constantly evolving.
6. FAQs About Tracy Cortez, Alex Pereira, and Brian Ortega
Q1: Who is Tracy Cortez currently dating?
Answer: Tracy Cortez is currently in a romantic relationship with UFC fighter Alex Pereira. The couple went public with their relationship around early January 2026 through social media posts.
Q2: How old is Tracy Cortez?
Answer: Tracy Cortez was born on December 10, 1993, making her 32 years old as of 2026.
Q3: Was Tracy Cortez engaged to Brian Ortega?
Answer: Yes, Tracy Cortez was previously in a long-term relationship with Brian Ortega, and they were reportedly engaged before breaking up in 2023.
Q4: What is the age gap between Tracy Cortez and Alex Pereira?
Answer: Alex Pereira was born on July 7, 1987, which makes him 38 years old in 2026. This places an age gap of about 6 years between him and Cortez.
Q5: Does Alex Pereira have children or past relationships?
Answer: Yes — prior to dating Tracy Cortez, Alex Pereira was previously married and has two children. He generally keeps his personal family life out of the spotlight.
Q6: Is Tracy Cortez married?
Answer: No, Tracy Cortez is not married as of 2026. She has not publicly announced any marriage or wedding plans.
Q7: What are Tracy Cortez’s most notable MMA achievements?
Answer: Tracy Cortez has risen to prominence in the UFC women’s flyweight division with multiple wins and strong showings since her debut in 2019, earning her a reputation as a tough competitor.
Conclusion
Tracy Cortez’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and evolution. From her humble beginnings in Phoenix to training with elite athletes and rising through the UFC ranks, she exemplifies the resilience needed to succeed in combat sports.
Her personal life — marked by her previous engagement to Brian Ortega and her current relationship with Alex Pereira — adds another layer to her public persona, drawing fans into not just her professional fights but her life’s journey beyond the cage.
Whether you’re a longtime MMA enthusiast or new to her story, Tracy Cortez remains one of the most compelling athletes today — a warrior worth following inside the Octagon and beyond.
