Tracy R. Cortez (born December 10, 1993) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC women’s flyweight division. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, to Mexican immigrant parents, she grew up alongside three brothers and first stepped onto the mats at age 14 after watching her eldest brother pursue his UFC dream.
After earning her UFC contract by defeating Mariya Agapova via unanimous decision on Dana White’s Contender Series (July 30, 2019), Cortez has built an 11–2 record and, as of February 4, 2025, sits at #10 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings.
What the Fighter Is Known For
Cortez is celebrated for her well-rounded skill set—combining relentless pressure striking with suffocating grappling. She averages 3.72 significant strikes landed per minute while defending 62% of takedown attempts, a testament to her cardio, durability, and technical prowess.
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Key Stats
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Full Name: Tracy R. Cortez
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Born: December 10, 1993 (age 31)
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Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
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Weight Class: Flyweight (125 lb)
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Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
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Reach: 65 in (165 cm)
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Stance: Orthodox
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Team: Fight Ready MMA; Neuro Force One
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Pro MMA Record: 11–2–0
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UFC Ranking: #10 women’s flyweight (as of Feb 4, 2025)
Career Highlights
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Dana White’s Contender Series (July 30, 2019): Defeated Mariya Agapova by unanimous decision to secure a UFC contract
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UFC Debut (Nov 16, 2019): Won her Octagon debut against Vanessa Melo by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs. Jacaré
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UFC 274 (May 7, 2022): Extended her win streak to ten with a unanimous decision victory over Melissa Gatto
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UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 (Sep 16, 2023): Secured a unanimous decision win over Jasmine Jasudavicius
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UFC Denver Main Event (July 13, 2024): Stepped in on short notice to face former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas; lost a hard-fought five-round decision after famously cutting her hair to make weight
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Concluding Thoughts
Tracy Cortez’s journey—from a determined teenager in Phoenix to a top-10 UFC flyweight contender—is marked by resilience, heart, and a continually evolving skill set. Whether pressing forward with strike combinations or wrestling opponents to the canvas, she embodies the spirit of a true all-around fighter.
As she looks to rebound from her recent setback and climb even higher in the division, Cortez remains a name to watch for years to come.
For more on the UFC’s top female talent, check out Top 7 UFC’s Hottest Female Fighters Today.