In a personal update that has caught the MMA community's attention, former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira confirmed the end of his relationship with fellow fighter Tracy Cortez. The Brazilian star shared the news directly with his fans on his official Instagram page on a Thursday night in early January 2026.
Pereira's Calm and Respectful Announcement
Addressing his followers from the United States, where he is preparing for his next Octagon appearance, Pereira penned a concise and amicable message. He expressed gratitude for the support and clarified the nature of the separation. “Thank you my fans for all the love,” he wrote. “Even though me and Tracy shared great moments together, we decided it would be better for both of us to go our separate ways. I wish her nothing but the best in her journey.”
The announcement highlighted that the decision was mutual. Pereira, known for his knockout power, handled the personal matter with a calm and respectful tone, asking for privacy for both individuals. As of this reporting, Tracy Cortez has not issued a public response to the breakup news.
Social Media Buzz and Brad Tate's Playful Jab
The confirmation, which came just weeks after the pair were seen celebrating New Year's Eve together, quickly spread across platforms. ESPN MMA shared the update, sparking reactions from fans and UFC personalities alike.
The most notable response came from veteran UFC cutman Brad Tate, who added a humorous, four-word comment that perfectly captured the fighting spirit of the situation: “By knockout & still.” The line was a witty reference to Pereira's iconic fight introductions and his fearsome reputation as a finisher. The comment lightened the mood, with many fans replying with laughing emojis and memes, turning a personal update into a moment of playful banter.
The pairing of Pereira and Cortez had initially surprised many fans when they first appeared together publicly at the end of 2025, being dubbed one of the UFC's most unexpected couples.
Career Crossroads: Titles, Super Fights, and Jon Jones
This personal development arrives at a pivotal moment in Alex Pereira's professional career. The fighter is riding high from a major victory in late 2025, where he reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title with a first-round TKO win over Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch.
While his personal life makes headlines, his fighting future is generating even bigger speculation. In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA from late 2025, which resurfaced this month, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones expressed interest in facing Pereira next. “Pereira wants to fight me, but I don’t think Dana White’s gonna allow that to happen. It’ll be interesting to see what Dana wants,” Jones stated.
Jones, who briefly retired and vacated the heavyweight title in 2025, has hinted at a return. However, UFC CEO Dana White's apparent focus on Tom Aspinall for the heavyweight title picture casts uncertainty on a potential super fight with Pereira.
Meanwhile, Pereira himself has indicated in recent interviews that he is more interested in moving up in weight for a legacy-defining bout than in defending his 205-pound belt against top contenders like Jiri Prochazka or Carlos Ulberg. For now, whether in matters of the heart or the cage, Alex Pereira remains firmly in the spotlight.
