In a personal revelation that has caught the MMA community's attention, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has confirmed the end of his brief relationship with fellow fighter Tracy Cortez. The announcement comes just days after the pair made their romance public, marking a swift conclusion to a high-profile coupling within the fight world.
From New Year Revelations to a Mutual Goodbye
The relationship between Pereira and Cortez first entered the public eye at the start of 2026, when both athletes shared glimpses of their New Year celebrations on social media. Photos and videos of the couple kissing quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion among fans. However, the chapter closed almost as quickly as it opened.
Pereira addressed the situation directly through his Instagram stories. He expressed gratitude for the support from fans and clarified that the decision to part ways was mutual. The Brazilian star reflected that while they shared meaningful moments, both he and Cortez ultimately felt it was better to move forward separately. He concluded his message by wishing Cortez success and happiness in her future journey.
Personal Chapters and Professional Focus
This breakup adds another layer to Pereira's personal life, about which he has been relatively open. He was previously married and is a father to two sons. For Tracy Cortez, this follows her own high-profile, long-term relationship with fellow UFC contender Brian Ortega, which ended in 2023 without public explanation from either party.
On the professional front, Pereira remains one of the UFC's most prominent global stars. However, his immediate focus is on recovery, as he is currently sidelined with a broken foot. Cortez, who competes in the demanding flyweight division, is also aiming for a comeback. She is looking to bounce back from a submission loss to Erin Blanchfield that occurred in late 2025.
Superfight Speculation and UFC Dynamics
Amid this personal news, questions continue to swirl about a potential blockbuster matchup between Alex Pereira and heavyweight legend Jon Jones. Recently, Jones himself downplayed the likelihood of the fight materializing. He suggested that while Pereira is eager for the contest, UFC President Dana White may not be willing to make it happen. Jones indicated the final decision rests solely with White.
This comment touches on the reported strained relationship between Jones and the UFC boss. Jones, who had briefly retired, re-entered the USADA drug testing pool with hopes of fighting on a proposed card in June. Those plans now seem uncertain. White has previously stated that Jones stepped back from a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall, a move that reportedly frustrated the promotion's head. White has since hinted at relying on other major stars, including the returning Conor McGregor, for future marquee events.
Despite the personal turnover, Alex Pereira's stature in the sport remains undimmed. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both he and Tracy Cortez navigate their individual paths, inside and outside the Octagon, in the coming months.
