Tracy Cortez, a formidable MMA fighter, is making waves in the women’s Flyweight division of the UFC. Born on December 10, 1993, Tracy hails from Phoenix, Arizona and stands at an impressive height of 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m). With her reach extending to 65 in (165 cm), she possesses a strategic advantage in the octagon.
Since her active involvement in MMA since 2017, Tracy Cortez has accumulated an impressive record of 11 wins and only 1 loss. Her exceptional skills and fierce determination have earned her a well-deserved spot in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings, currently ranking #11 as of October 24, 2023.
Early Life and Personal Struggles
Tracy Cortez’s journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) has been shaped by her early life and personal struggles. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Tracy comes from a Mexican background and grew up in a household of Mexican immigrants. Watching her oldest brother, Jose Cortez, compete in a UFC fight at the age of 14 ignited Tracy’s passion for MMA. However, tragedy struck when Jose had to stop competing due to cardiovascular problems and later lost his battle with germ cell cancer in 2011.
The loss of her brother deeply affected Tracy, leading her into a period of depression. But with the unwavering support of her family and the help of her brother’s best friends, Henry Cejudo and Angel Cejudo, Tracy found the strength to overcome her struggles and continue pursuing her MMA career.
Tracy’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Through the support of loved ones and her own inner drive, she has turned her personal struggles into motivation to succeed in the world of professional MMA.
MMA Career Highlights and Victories
Tracy Cortez has had an impressive MMA career, with notable highlights and victories that have solidified her position in the flyweight division. She started her journey by fighting under organizations like World Fighting Federation and KOTC in her amateur career, where she maintained an undefeated record of 3-0.
In 2017, Tracy made her debut in the Invicta Fighting Championships, facing off against Cheri Muraski. Although she suffered a setback with a submission loss in the second round, she quickly rebounded with a victory against Roxanne Ceasear later that year. Her determination and resilience caught the attention of many, leading her to appear on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series in July 2019.
Tracy’s performance on the Contender Series was nothing short of impressive. She showcased her skills as she faced off against Mariya Agapova, ultimately winning the fight via unanimous decision. Her exceptional performance earned her a well-deserved contract with the UFC, paving the way for her successful transition to the big leagues.
Since joining the UFC, Tracy Cortez has continued to make her mark in the flyweight division. She has secured victories against tough opponents, including Erin Blanchfield, Justine Kish, and Melissa Gatto. Her ability to adapt to different fighting styles, combined with her relentless drive, has helped her climb the ranks and establish herself as a formidable force in the division.
UFC Career and Recent Fights
Tracy Cortez made her promotional debut in the UFC on November 16, 2019, in a bantamweight bout against Vanessa Melo. The fight was initially overshadowed by both fighters missing weight, but they eventually cleared after a scale error was discovered. Despite the setback, Tracy showcased her skills and emerged victorious, winning the bout via unanimous decision.
Since her debut, Tracy has primarily competed in the flyweight division, where she has had notable successes. She has secured victories against the likes of Stephanie Egger and Justine Kish, impressing fans and critics alike with her technical abilities and tenacity inside the Octagon. Tracy’s ability to consistently emerge victorious via unanimous decision highlights her skill in outperforming her opponents throughout the duration of the fight.
Tracy has not been without setbacks in her UFC career. She was forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout against JJ Aldrich due to an injury. However, she has managed to rebound from adversity and continue her ascent in the flyweight division. Tracy’s most recent fight took place on May 7, 2022, against Melissa Gatto, where she once again secured a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying her position in the division.
Looking ahead, Tracy Cortez has an upcoming bout scheduled against Jasmine Jasudavicius on September 16, 2023. This fight presents an opportunity for Tracy to further establish herself as a contender in the flyweight division and continue her pursuit of climbing the ranks in the UFC.
Personal Life and Achievements
Tracy Cortez’s personal life is just as intriguing as her professional career. Previously engaged to fellow UFC fighter Brian Ortega, Tracy has made headlines both inside and outside the octagon. With an impressive record of 11 wins and 1 loss, she has proven herself to be a formidable force in the MMA world.
But it’s not just her fighting skills that make Tracy a remarkable athlete. She also carries a special tribute to her late brother, Jose Cortez. On her arm, Tracy proudly wears a tattoo that symbolizes her brother’s fighting spirit and serves as a constant reminder of her own resilience and determination.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Tracy continues to train and pursue her dream in the UFC. Her engagement to Brian Ortega may have ended, but her focus remains on leaving a lasting legacy in the sport she loves. With each step she takes inside the octagon, Tracy Cortez aims to inspire others and show that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
