Tracy Cortez Bio
Tracy R. Cortez (born December 10, 1993) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of July 1, 2025, she is ranked #8 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings. She has been competing professionally since 2017 and is widely recognized for her well-rounded skill set and durable cardio.
Trained out of Fight Ready MMA and Neuro Force One, Cortez has built a reputation as a gritty, pressure-oriented fighter who consistently pushes a fast pace. She has emerged as one of the most dependable contenders in the 125-pound division, known for her willingness to engage across all ranges.
Early Life and Background
Tracy R. Cortez was born on December 10, 1993, in Phoenix, Arizona. She is of Mexican descent and grew up in a household shaped by Mexican immigrant roots. Her upbringing in Phoenix gave her early exposure to combat sports through her family, including three brothers who were involved in athletic pursuits.
Cortez has three brothers: Jose Cortez, J.R. Cortez, and Abraham Cortez. Jose, her oldest brother, was a key figure in her life and had aspirations of becoming a UFC fighter. In November 2008, Jose won a fight against former UFC veteran Drew Fickett. He later stopped competing after being diagnosed with cardiovascular problems and germ cell cancer, and he passed away from the disease in 2011.
Following her brother’s death, Cortez struggled with depression. She has spoken about how Henry Cejudo and Angel Cejudo, who were close friends of Jose, helped her navigate that difficult period. Cortez carries a tattoo on her arm in remembrance of her brother and has credited his memory as a constant source of motivation in her career.
Path to MMA
Cortez first became interested in mixed martial arts at the age of 14, when she attended one of her brother Jose’s fights. Watching him compete sparked a lasting interest in training, and she began working toward her own fighting career soon after. The loss of her brother deepened her commitment to the sport and gave her a clear sense of purpose.
She competed as an amateur under the World Fighting Federation and King of the Cage (KOTC), compiling a 3-0 record before turning professional. Her amateur success was strong enough to earn her a contract with Invicta Fighting Championships, one of the premier all-women’s MMA organizations in the world.
Tracy Cortez Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Tracy R. Cortez made her professional debut on August 31, 2017, against Cheri Muraski at Invicta FC 25: Kunitskaya vs. Pa’aluhi. She suffered a second-round submission loss in that bout but quickly bounced back. Later in 2017, she returned to action under the World Fighting banner, defeating Roxanne Ceasear by unanimous decision.
In 2018, Cortez picked up momentum with a unanimous decision win over Kaytlin Neil at Invicta FC 28. She added two more victories that year, beating Monica Median at V3 Fight Night 69 and Karen Cedillo at Combate Americas: Alday vs. Lopez, demonstrating her ability to perform across multiple promotions.
Invicta FC and Dana White’s Contender Series (2019)
Cortez’s biggest pre-UFC moment came on February 15, 2019, when she faced Erin Blanchfield at Invicta FC 34: Porto vs. Gonzalez. She won the fight via split decision in a competitive matchup that signaled her readiness for the next level. That win helped set the stage for her opportunity on a major UFC platform.
On July 30, 2019, Cortez appeared on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, Season 3, Episode 6, where she faced Mariya Agapova. She won the fight by unanimous decision, which was enough to earn her a UFC contract and mark her official transition to the world’s leading MMA organization.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (2019-Present)
Cortez made her UFC debut on November 16, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 22 against Vanessa Melo, after original opponent Duda Santana withdrew due to family issues. The fight was originally flagged as a catchweight, though the athletic commission later confirmed both athletes were within the bantamweight limit. Cortez won by unanimous decision, signaling a strong start to her UFC tenure.
She continued her unbeaten UFC run with a unanimous decision win over Stephanie Egger at UFC Fight Night 179 in October 2020. In April 2021, Cortez moved down to flyweight and defeated Justine Kish via split decision at UFC on ESPN 22, despite a catchweight situation at the weigh-ins. She was later forced out of an August 2021 booking with JJ Aldrich due to injury, briefly halting her momentum.
Cortez returned in May 2022 and defeated Melissa Gatto by unanimous decision at UFC 274. A scheduled bout with Amanda Ribas in December 2022 was cancelled due to an unspecified medical issue. In September 2023, she beat Jasmine Jasudavicius by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 227, re-establishing herself in the flyweight mix.
Recent UFC Run (2024-2025)
In 2024, Cortez was pulled from her scheduled July bout with Miranda Maverick to step in as a replacement against former champion Rose Namajunas at UFC on ESPN 59. She lost that fight by unanimous decision, her first setback inside the Octagon. A rescheduled bout with Maverick in December 2024 was again cancelled after Cortez required surgery.
On June 28, 2025, Cortez defeated Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision at UFC 317. She followed that with a rematch against Erin Blanchfield on November 15, 2025, at UFC 322, where she was submitted via rear-naked choke in the second round. Through these high-profile matchups, she has continued to cement her place among the top names in the 125-pound division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cortez’s career has been marked by several signature moments, including her Contender Series win that earned her a UFC contract, her 2021 move to flyweight, and high-profile bouts against veterans such as Rose Namajunas and Erin Blanchfield. Her ranking inside the UFC’s top 10 at flyweight stands as a clear measure of her progress since turning pro in 2017.
Tracy Cortez Career Wins
Tracy R. Cortez has compiled a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses. Her victories include finishes by knockout, submission, and decision, reflecting her ability to win in multiple ways. She has consistently performed against ranked opposition and has been a steady presence in the UFC flyweight division.
UFC and Invicta FC Highlights
Cortez has earned multiple unanimous and split decision wins across her UFC and Invicta FC tenures, including victories over Mariya Agapova, Erin Blanchfield, Justine Kish, Melissa Gatto, and Jasmine Jasudavicius. Her debut UFC win over Vanessa Melo in November 2019 set the tone for her professional trajectory, while her Contender Series victory served as the launching point for her major-promotion career.
Tracy Cortez Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tracy R. Cortez grew up in a close-knit family of Mexican descent in Phoenix, Arizona. She has three brothers, including her late oldest brother, Jose Cortez, whose career in MMA and subsequent battle with cancer had a profound influence on her own path in the sport. The Cortez family remains a central part of her life and motivation.
Personal Life
Cortez is engaged to fellow UFC fighter Brian Ortega. She has spoken openly about how her late brother Jose, along with Henry Cejudo and Angel Cejudo, supported her during difficult times. She resides in Phoenix, Arizona, where she trains out of Fight Ready MMA and Neuro Force One.
2025 Season Performance
Tracy R. Cortez’s 2025 campaign began with a strong showing against Viviane Araujo at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, where she earned a unanimous decision win. The victory helped reinforce her standing in the flyweight division and kept her ranked inside the UFC’s top 10 at 125 pounds.
Later in the year, Cortez was matched against Erin Blanchfield in a rematch at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025. She lost the bout by rear-naked choke submission in the second round, a setback in an otherwise consistent year. The fight was a high-profile opportunity that kept her in the conversation among the division’s top contenders.
Looking ahead, Cortez remains a key figure in the women’s flyweight division, training out of Fight Ready MMA and Neuro Force One. With her ranking intact and experience against elite opposition, she is well positioned to pursue another run at title contention in subsequent UFC seasons.