In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few fighters have captured the public’s attention the way Tracy Cortez has in recent years. The young American fighter, currently competing in the UFC’s Women’s Flyweight division, has quickly ascended the ranks thanks to her versatile skill set, determination, and charismatic personality. Cortez’s journey to the UFC, her rise through the ranks, and her growing popularity make for a fascinating story that fans, analysts, and fellow fighters alike are keeping a close eye on.

This article will explore the life, career, and future of Tracy Cortez, diving into her early beginnings, professional milestones, and what makes her one of the most promising fighters in the world of women’s MMA. Additionally, we will examine the key factors that have contributed to her rapid success and discuss what we can expect from her in the future.

Early Life and Background

Tracy Cortez was born on December 10, 1993, in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up, she was always an active child, participating in a variety of sports. However, it wasn’t until her teenage years that she discovered her passion for combat sports. Cortez’s introduction to MMA came from her family’s interest in martial arts. Her brother was already involved in the sport, which led Tracy to explore the world of MMA herself.

Her early exposure to fighting was a turning point, as she quickly developed a love for the discipline and decided to pursue it seriously. Prior to diving into MMA, Cortez had a background in wrestling, which would later become one of her signature skills in the octagon. Wrestling is often a key ingredient in a fighter’s success, and for Cortez, it laid the foundation for her future in MMA.

Wrestling Foundation: A Stepping Stone for MMA

Cortez attended Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, where she competed in wrestling. Her success in the sport during high school helped her develop the grappling skills that would later become a key element of her MMA style. Cortez’s time in high school wrestling also built her mental toughness, a trait that has defined her in the cage.

After high school, Cortez continued to pursue wrestling at Grand Canyon University, where she further honed her skills. Although she did not pursue a professional wrestling career, the wrestling background provided her with an advantage when she transitioned into MMA.

Transition to MMA: Making Her Mark

Tracy Cortez began her MMA career in 2017. With her wrestling background, she already possessed a solid foundation in grappling, which is often considered one of the most important aspects of MMA. Cortez, however, didn’t just rely on her wrestling skills; she set out to become a well-rounded fighter, working to develop her striking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and overall fight IQ.

Cortez’s first few professional MMA bouts took place on the regional circuit. She started her career with a 4-0 record, showcasing her wrestling prowess, excellent conditioning, and evolving striking. Her early success in these fights gave her the confidence to continue pursuing her dream of reaching the UFC, and it wasn’t long before she got the attention of UFC scouts.

Climbing the Ranks

Cortez’s standout performance on the regional scene led to an invitation to compete on the Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019, a platform where up-and-coming fighters showcase their skills in hopes of earning a UFC contract. Cortez faced the talented Maria Agapova, a fighter who was also considered a top prospect at the time. 

Although Cortez lost the fight by unanimous decision, the bout showed that she could compete with some of the best talent in the division. While this loss might have deterred some fighters, Cortez used it as motivation. She returned to the regional circuit, refining her skills and ensuring that her next opportunity would be met with a stronger, more experienced version of herself.

UFC Debut and Early Success

After her appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, Cortez got a second chance to compete in the UFC. In 2020, she made her official UFC debut against Vanessa Melo at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov. Cortez was victorious in this fight, winning via unanimous decision. The win not only earned her a spot in the UFC’s highly competitive flyweight division but also proved to fans and analysts alike that she was a force to be reckoned with.

This victory was the first of many in the UFC for Cortez, and it helped establish her as one of the rising stars in the women’s flyweight division. Her ability to dominate her opponents with her grappling and control, as well as her ability to improve her striking, made her a well-rounded and dangerous fighter.

A String of Wins and Growing Popularity

In Cortez’s following UFC debut, she continued to impress with victories over notable opponents such as Jillian Robertson and Justine Kish. Her performance in these fights showcased her versatility as a fighter, as she demonstrated the ability to not only control opponents on the ground but also stand and trade when necessary. These victories boosted her stock significantly, earning her recognition as a potential title contender in the flyweight division.

Her fight against Jillian Robertson at UFC 261 was particularly notable, as Cortez displayed her wrestling and control, dominating Robertson throughout the contest and earning a unanimous decision victory. This win further cemented her reputation as a fighter who is difficult to outwork and outmuscle, a key trait for success in the UFC.

Wrestling and Grappling: The Backbone of Cortez’s Game

Tracy Cortez’s wrestling background is arguably her most significant strength inside the octagon. Her ability to control her opponents on the ground and dictate the pace of the fight through takedowns and top control is a hallmark of her fighting style. Cortez excels at neutralizing opponents’ offensive threats by pressing them against the cage and controlling the clinch.

Her pressure-based wrestling and suffocating style make her a difficult fighter to deal with for anyone trying to establish a striking rhythm. Her excellent fight IQ and well-rounded grappling allow her to avoid mistakes and capitalize on her opponent’s weaknesses, which has made her successful against a variety of different fighters.

Striking and Stand-up Game: Developing into a Threat

While Cortez is primarily known for her grappling, her striking has also improved significantly throughout her career. She has a solid jab and works well in combinations, allowing her to stay competitive on the feet. As she continues to develop in this area, she has the potential to become an even more dangerous fighter, making her a more well-rounded and unpredictable threat in the flyweight division.

Her head coach, Henry Cejudo, who is a former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion, has worked closely with Cortez on improving her striking. Under Cejudo’s guidance, Cortez’s striking is becoming more dynamic, as she begins to blend her grappling and striking seamlessly.

Cardio and Durability: The Key to Her Success

Another strength of Cortez is her exceptional cardiovascular conditioning. In a sport like MMA, where endurance is crucial, Cortez’s ability to maintain a high pace for three rounds, or even five rounds in some cases, sets her apart from many fighters in the flyweight division. Her stamina allows her to keep pushing forward, overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure, even in the later rounds of a fight.

Tracy Cortez’s Personal Life: What Drives Her

Outside of the octagon, Tracy Cortez is known for her mental toughness. MMA is an incredibly demanding sport, both physically and mentally, and Cortez has shown time and time again that she is resilient in the face of adversity. Whether it’s bouncing back from a loss or overcoming personal challenges, Cortez’s ability to stay focused and determined has played a pivotal role in her success.

Her family and team have been crucial in supporting her throughout her journey, and Cortez often speaks about how their encouragement and support keep her grounded. Her mental toughness has allowed her to stay motivated and focused on her goals, despite the challenges that come with being a professional fighter.

Charisma and Popularity

Tracy Cortez’s personality has also played a significant role in her growing popularity. Fans love her down-to-earth nature, her work ethic, and her willingness to take on any challenge. Cortez has amassed a strong following on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she connects with her fans and shares glimpses into her life outside the octagon. Her engaging personality and relatable attitude make her a fan favorite and have helped her build a loyal fan base.

Title Contender Status

Tracy Cortez is undoubtedly one of the most promising fighters in the UFC’s flyweight division. While she may not yet be considered a title contender, she is steadily making her way up the ranks. With continued improvement in her striking, as well as her already formidable grappling, Cortez could be a serious threat to the top fighters in the division.

Given the current landscape of the flyweight division, where champions like Valentina Shevchenko have dominated for years, Cortez will need to continue improving and develop her skills to a championship level. If she can do that, it’s only a matter of time before she finds herself competing for a title.

Continued Growth and Development

As she gains more experience, Cortez will continue to improve. Her time spent working with former champions like Henry Cejudo will undoubtedly accelerate her development as a fighter, and her versatility will make her even more dangerous. Cortez’s work ethic, combined with her already impressive fight skills, will ensure that she remains a significant threat in the UFC.

FAQs

What is Tracy Cortez’s fighting style?

Tracy Cortez is known for her strong wrestling and grappling skills. She combines her ground game with decent striking, though her primary strength lies in her ability to control opponents and secure takedowns. Her versatility allows her to adapt to different opponents and situations in the cage.

Where did Tracy Cortez train before the UFC?

Before joining the UFC, Tracy Cortez trained at various gyms, with her primary training being done at The MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona. She has worked alongside several talented fighters and coaches, honing her skills in wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and striking.

How did Tracy Cortez perform in her most recent UFC fight?

In her most recent fight, Tracy Cortez faced Amanda Ribas on March 25, 2025, at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Rodriguez. She won the fight via unanimous decision, showcasing her superior grappling and takedown control. The victory solidified her position as one of the rising stars in the Flyweight division.

What is Tracy Cortez’s background in sports?

Tracy Cortez has a strong athletic background, particularly in wrestling. She was a standout in high school wrestling, where she gained significant experience and success. Her wrestling background has been a major asset in her MMA career, providing a solid foundation for her grappling and ground control.

What are some of Tracy Cortez’s most notable victories?

Tracy Cortez has earned victories over notable fighters such as Jessica-Rose Clark, where she showcased her striking and grappling to win by decision. She also defeated women like Vanessa Melo and Molly McCann, with dominant performances that helped elevate her to contender status in the Flyweight division.

In Summary

Tracy Cortez is a fighter to watch in the coming years. Her wrestling pedigree, mental toughness, and commitment to growth inside the cage have already earned her a solid reputation in the UFC’s flyweight division. As she continues to sharpen her skills and climb the ranks, there’s no telling how far she can go. 

Whether it’s a future title shot or continuing to improve as a well-rounded fighter, Cortez’s journey is only just beginning, and fans are eagerly awaiting her next move in the octagon. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of MMA, Tracy Cortez is undoubtedly a rising star, and the best is yet to come.

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