Love is in the air, and so are the punches! UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has reportedly found a new flame in fellow fighter Tracy Cortez, and he’s not just sweeping her off her feet—he’s also giving her a masterclass in striking. But here’s where it gets juicy: Cortez’s ex-fiancé, UFC veteran Brian Ortega, is now in the mix, and fans can’t get enough of this unexpected love triangle. Could this be the MMA romance of the year, or just another round in the Octagon of drama? Let’s dive in.
Earlier this week, the MMA world went into overdrive after photos surfaced of Pereira and Cortez sharing an intimate New Year’s embrace. The images, shared on social media (https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2006643586943594520?s=20), quickly went viral, with fans dubbing the pair the latest ‘power couple’ of the UFC. What’s even more intriguing? Fight enthusiasts couldn’t resist tagging Ortega, who was once engaged to Cortez (https://www.mmamania.com/2022/12/27/23527798/an-emotional-tracy-cortez-opens-up-about-ufc-orlando-removal-it-broke-me), in the posts. Talk about adding fuel to the fire!
Ortega, who has since moved on and married after his 2022 split with Cortez, handled the situation with surprising grace. He responded to the flood of messages and photos (https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-news/412645/brian-ortega-stop-sending-him-photos-alex-pereira-kissing-ufc-flyweight-tracy-cortez) with a level of maturity that’s rare in the often-heated world of MMA. But let’s be real—this is the kind of drama that keeps fans glued to their screens.
While the details of Pereira and Cortez’s relationship remain under wraps, one thing is clear: Pereira is already making an impact in Cortez’s life—both personally and professionally. Known as one of the most devastating strikers in UFC history, Pereira recently hit the mats with Cortez to share his expertise. From footwork to feints, he’s helping her sharpen her skills, and the training session was nothing short of inspiring. Is this the start of a beautiful partnership inside and outside the Octagon?
And this is the part most people miss: Pereira’s own career is at a crossroads. Fresh off his knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, where he reclaimed the 205-pound title, rumors are swirling about a potential move to heavyweight (https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-news/411833/joe-rogan-hearing-a-lot-of-chatter-about-240-pound-alex-pereira-moving-up-to-fight-ciryl-gane). If he makes the jump, ‘Poatan’ could become the first-ever three-division champion in UFC history (https://www.mmamania.com/2024/5/3/24148459/three-division-champion-alex-pereira-accepts-jon-jones-heavyweight-callout-my-job-is-to-fight). Talk about a legacy in the making!
But here’s the controversial question: Is Pereira’s focus on romance and coaching a distraction, or a sign of his growing maturity as a fighter and mentor? Some fans argue that personal relationships can derail a fighter’s momentum, while others believe it could bring balance to his life. What do you think? Is Pereira’s new chapter a recipe for success, or a risky move in the high-stakes world of MMA? Sound off in the comments below—we want to hear your take!
