Tracy Cortez

Tracy Cortez is a 31-year-old mixed martial artist from Phoenix, Arizona, who has carved out a steady climb through the UFC women's flyweight division despite some near-misses that have defined her recent arc. Born in 1993 to a household of Mexican immigrants, Cortez was inspired to train MMA at 14 after watching her oldest brother Jose fight against UFC veteran Drew Fickett in 2008. Jose's subsequent diagnosis with germ cell cancer and death in 2011 became the emotional core of her career; she has spoken openly about drawing motivation from his fight against the disease, reminding herself that if her brother could battle cancer, she can handle the octagon. She turned pro in 2017 after a stint in Invicta FC and regional promotions, and earned her UFC contract via Dana White's Contender Series in July 2019.

Cortez's octagon career has been marked by consistency and a willingness to take hard fights on short notice. She made her promotional debut at bantamweight in São Paulo in November 2019 and has since moved to flyweight, building an impressive 11-fight winning streak between 2019 and July 2024. She is a complete mixed martial artist who controls opponents through volume striking (3.8 significant strikes per minute), wrestling, and cardio; 83% of her 12 professional wins come by decision, reflecting her methodical, control-oriented style. Her one knockout and one submission showcases her technical versatility, though opponents and commentators often note her reluctance or inability to finish when opportunities arise.

Her first UFC loss came unexpectedly in July 2024 when she stepped in on short notice to face Rose Namajunas, a two-time UFC women's strawweight champion, in a five-round bout. Cortez lost that unanimous decision but returned six months later at UFC 317 in June 2025 with a dominant three-round victory over Viviane Araujo, sweeping all scorecards despite expressing frustration that she didn't secure a finish. That win catapulted her back into title contention, and she was subsequently ranked #8 in the UFC women's flyweight division. In November 2025, Cortez faced Erin Blanchfield in a high-profile rematch at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, seeking to make a statement that would position her for a shot at champion Valentina Shevchenko in 2026. The rematch ended with a rear-naked choke submission loss in the second round, dealing a significant setback to her title aspirations.

What makes Cortez compelling is her no-nonsense approach to the sport and her refusal to complain. She competes where and when the UFC asks, speaks honestly about her performance in post-fight interviews, and carries a quiet confidence rooted in her personal story. Her coaches at Fight Ready in Scottsdale have shaped her into a well-rounded competitor, and she remains a darkhorse contender in a division stacked with elite talent. With an upcoming bout against Wang Cong scheduled for July 2026, Cortez has an opportunity to rebuild her case for a title shot and prove that losses to the division's elite are learning experiences rather than roadblocks.