Tracy Cortez is a name fight fans won’t soon forget. This American MMA fighter has been steadily climbing the ranks in the UFC’s Flyweight division, recently cracking the top 11. With an aggressive fighting style and unwavering determination, Cortez is a rising star poised to make a significant impact.
This article explores the journey of Tracy Cortez, from her early days as an amateur to the bright lights of the UFC. We’ll delve into her fighting style, career highlights, and what the future holds for this phenomenal athlete.
From Humble Beginnings to the Octagon
Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1993, Cortez’s path to MMA wasn’t typical. Despite limited information about her early training, it’s evident she discovered a passion for combat sports. Cortez honed her skills in regional promotions like World Fighting Federation and KOTC, culminating in an undefeated amateur record of 3-0. This impressive start caught the eye of Invicta Fighting Championships, a prestigious all-female MMA organization.
Proving Grounds in Invicta FC
Cortez’s professional debut in Invicta FC in 2017 marked the beginning of a dominant run. She quickly established herself as a force, winning her first six professional fights. This streak showcased her well-rounded skillset, with victories coming via knockout, submission, and decision. Cortez’s dominance in Invicta FC put her on the radar of the UFC, the pinnacle of MMA competition.
Stepping onto the Biggest Stage
In 2020, Tracy Cortez’s dream came true – a UFC contract. Her debut, however, was a setback. Facing seasoned Brazilian fighter Lina Lansberg in the bantamweight division, Cortez suffered her first professional loss via second-round submission.
Undeterred, Cortez made a wise decision to move down to the flyweight division, a weight class better suited to her physique. This proved to be a turning point. In her flyweight debut, Cortez dominated Stephanie Egger with a masterful display of striking, earning a unanimous decision victory.
Finding Her Rhythm: A String of Victories
Following her successful flyweight debut, Cortez has been on a tear. She put together a three-fight winning streak, showcasing her refined striking and developing a reputation for her relentless pressure. Victories over Anya Rivera, Kanako Murata, and most recently, Jasmine Jasudavicius cemented her place among the flyweight division’s top contenders.
The win against Murata, a former title challenger, was particularly noteworthy. Cortez weathered an early offensive surge from the veteran before turning the tide with her superior boxing skills. The Jasudavicius fight, which took place at UFC Denver in July 2024, further solidified Cortez’s standing. Stepping in as a late replacement, she displayed remarkable composure, dominating the fight with crisp striking and earning a clear-cut decision win.
A Fighting Style Built on Speed, Pressure, and Tenacity
Tracy Cortez is an exciting fighter to watch. Her compact frame (5’5″ with a 65-inch reach) allows for exceptional maneuverability. Her striking is sharp and technical, with a focus on quick combinations and powerful kicks. Cortez excels at finding openings and landing damaging punches. She keeps her opponents guessing by incorporating takedown attempts and clinch work into her repertoire.
One of Cortez’s biggest strengths is her relentless pressure. She constantly pushes forward, forcing her opponents to fight defensively. This relentless pursuit can be overwhelming for opponents, leading to them making mistakes or getting worn down over time.
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Tracy Cortez is her tenacity. As evidenced by her recent UFC Denver fight, she possesses a never-say-die attitude. Cortez is always striving to improve and overcome challenges, making her a formidable opponent for any flyweight contender.
What’s on the Horizon for Tracy Cortez?
With her recent win at UFC Denver, Tracy Cortez has firmly established herself as a top contender in the flyweight division. Currently ranked #11, she is on the cusp of breaking into the top 10. With continued success, a title shot could be within reach in the not-so-distant future.
Looking ahead, some intriguing matchups await Cortez. A potential fight with the likes of Jessica Andrade or Lauren Murphy, both ranked in the top 5, would be a great test of her skills. A victory over such established contenders would propel her into title contention.
Beyond individual matchups, the future of the flyweight division itself is something to consider. The arrival of fighters like Cortez with their exciting styles promises to bring even more attention and excitement to this already thriving weight class.
FAQs:-
Who is Tracy Cortez?
Tracy Cortez is a rising star in the UFC’s flyweight division. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, the 29-year-old fighter boasts an impressive record of 10-1, with all wins coming after her initial professional loss [2].
What’s her fighting style?
Cortez is known for her exciting, well-rounded skill set. She can strike with power and precision, showcasing sharp boxing and a dangerous kicking arsenal. Her grappling is also improving, making her a threat both on the feet and on the ground [2].
How did she get into MMA?
Inspired by her older brother Jose, who competed in MMA with dreams of reaching the UFC, Tracy started training at 14 after watching his fight [1]. Sadly, Jose’s fighting career was cut short due to health issues, and he passed away in 2011. Tracy battled depression but found solace in MMA, carrying on her brother’s legacy [2].
Who is Tracy Cortez dating?
As of July 2024, Tracy is not publicly known to be dating anyone. There were rumors of relationships with fellow fighters Brian Ortega and Paulo Costa, but Cortez herself has shut those down, stating she’s enjoying the single life [3].
When is her next fight?
Mark your calendars! Tracy Cortez is set to return to the octagon on July 13, 2024, in a flyweight showdown at UFC on ESPN: Namajunas vs. Cortez [3]. Don’t miss this chance to see her skills on display!
Where can I learn more about Tracy Cortez?
You can check out her official UFC profile for stats and fight history.
Follow her on social media (if she has any public accounts) to get a glimpse into her training and personal life.
Search for interviews and fight highlights on YouTube to see Tracy in action!
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