The world of mixed martial arts has a new headline-grabbing power couple. Alex Pereira, the stoic knockout artist and multi-division champion, is now in a confirmed relationship with Tracy Cortez, the formidable flyweight contender. Their romance, which became public knowledge at the dawn of 2026, has swiftly captured the imagination of fight fans globally, adding a compelling personal chapter to their already impressive professional careers.
From Training Partners to Partners: How the Relationship Went Public
The confirmation arrived in the most modern of ways: through social media. As the world celebrated the New Year in 2026, Tracy Cortez shared an intimate moment on her Instagram Story. The photo, which showed the two fighters sharing a kiss, was a clear and unambiguous announcement to their followers. The image spread like wildfire across platforms, quickly picked up by major MMA news outlets and fan pages.
Further evidence of their partnership soon followed. ESPN's official MMA social media channels, along with Pereira's own Instagram account, began posting content of the duo training together. The context and captions left little room for doubt, referring to them as a couple. In a refreshing departure from celebrity secrecy, both Pereira and Cortez have maintained a relaxed and open stance. They have chosen not to issue formal denials or statements, instead letting their shared moments on social media tell the story for them.
Breaking Down the Age Gap and Career Timelines
Naturally, fans were curious about the specifics of this high-profile pairing, particularly the age difference. Tracy Cortez was born on December 10, 1993, making her 32 years old. Alex Pereira is older, born on July 7, 1987, which puts him at 38. This results in an age gap of approximately six years, a difference that is hardly remarkable within the combat sports community where athletes often peak at different ages.
Significantly, both fighters are currently at formidable points in their athletic journeys. Cortez, having made a triumphant return to the Octagon after surgery for an abdominal tumor, is a rising force in the women's flyweight division with her dominant wrestling. Pereira, a former Glory Kickboxing king, now stands tall as one of the UFC's most feared champions. Their relationship unites two competitors at the zenith of their powers.
A Look at Their Past Relationships and Private Lives
Before her romance with Pereira, Tracy Cortez was famously linked to fellow UFC standout Brian Ortega. Their relationship began around 2020, and they were a constant presence in each other's corners, sparking engagement rumors when Cortez was seen wearing a diamond ring. However, that chapter closed in 2023, with neither party publicly divulging the reasons for the split.
In contrast, Alex Pereira has always been intensely private about his life outside the cage. It is verified that he was previously married and is a devoted father to two sons. While he has openly expressed pride in his children in interviews, he has consistently shielded his former partner from the public spotlight, choosing to keep those details firmly out of the media narrative.
Together, Alex 'Poatan' Pereira and Tracy Cortez have seamlessly become the talk of the MMA world. They represent a unique blend of silent intensity and focused determination, a couple forged in the fire of competition. As they navigate their careers and relationship in the public eye, their story adds a captivating human dimension to the high-stakes drama of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
