Tracy Cortez and Sean O’Malley Spark Buzz at Arizona Cardinals Game: Fans Reaction

His path to reclaiming his winning streak will be a storyline to watch as he rehabs from surgery and prepares for his next fight.

For Cortez, the attention may serve as a distraction, but her focus remains on her ambitions in the flyweight division. As she climbs the rankings, it will be interesting to see how she balances her rising profile with the demands of being a professional fighter.

Ultimately, both fighters have demonstrated that they have what it takes to succeed in the UFC. Whether it’s O’Malley’s charisma and controversial persona or Cortez’s grit and determination, they remain two of the most talked-about athletes in the sport today.

A Social Media Frenzy

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley made waves again, this time outside the octagon, as he was seen with UFC women’s flyweight contender Tracy Cortez at a recent Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL game.¹

The sighting, shared by the UFC’s X (formerly Twitter) account, quickly gained traction among fans, sparking a flurry of online reactions and raising eyebrows about both fighters’ personal lives.

When the UFC shared images of O’Malley and Cortez attending the football game together, it was enough to ignite a storm of speculation and commentary on social media.

Both fighters are no strangers to the limelight, but their appearance together seemed to fuel fan intrigue. O’Malley’s distinctive style and outspoken personality, combined with Cortez’s rising status in the women’s flyweight division, made them an instant topic of conversation.

La Phoenikera 🏜️♥️ #Birdgang #GoryToGod pic.twitter.com/0FzZzkeNDn

— Tracy Cortez’s ERA (@TracyCortezmma) October 22, 2024

Fan Reactions: Brian Ortega’s Name Reenters the Conversation

One of the major themes that surfaced in the reactions was Tracy Cortez’s past relationship with UFC featherweight fighter Brian Ortega.

The two were previously linked romantically, and their breakup became a subject of interest for many UFC fans. Now, with Cortez appearing alongside O’Malley, some fans couldn’t help but bring up Ortega.

“Brian Ortega gotta be crashing out at this,” one fan commented, implying that Ortega might be feeling the emotional weight of seeing his ex-partner with O’Malley.

While it’s all speculation, these types of comments highlight the drama that often follows public figures in the world of sports, where personal relationships can easily become a matter of public discourse.

Tracy Cortez’s Hype: Divided Opinions

In addition to the Ortega mentions, some fans expressed divided opinions regarding Cortez herself.²

One fan stated, “I don’t get the Cortez hype at all,” suggesting that the attention she receives may be unwarranted or that they personally don’t see what makes her stand out among other fighters.

This sentiment points to the polarization that often surrounds high-profile UFC athletes, especially when their personal lives are in the spotlight.

On the other hand, Cortez has garnered a considerable fan base thanks to her strong performances in the octagon.

With an undefeated UFC record at flyweight, she’s widely viewed as a potential contender in her division. However, like many fighters who cross into mainstream attention, her popularity seems to elicit a wide range of opinions.

Open Relationships and the O’Malley Factor

Sean O’Malley is no stranger to controversy, and this recent sighting with Cortez only added fuel to the fire.

Known for his flamboyant persona and polarizing takes, O’Malley’s personal life has been an ongoing subject of discussion, particularly because of his alleged open relationship with his wife, Danya Gonzalez. Some fans were quick to reference this aspect of his life following the images of O’Malley with Cortez.

“I mean, O’Malley’s wife gave him the green light🤷‍♂️,” wrote one fan, alluding to O’Malley’s reported non-monogamous relationship. This comment highlights how his personal choices continue to shape public perception, intertwining his private life with his professional image.

O’Malley has never shied away from addressing his unconventional relationship style, even discussing it openly in interviews and podcasts. However, the public reaction remains mixed, with some supporting his transparency and others questioning his lifestyle.

UFC Fighters in the Public Eye: The Cost of Fame

O’Malley and Cortez are part of a new generation of UFC fighters who have mastered the art of leveraging social media and public appearances to enhance their brand.

With millions of followers and a constant presence online, both fighters understand the power of being in the spotlight. While this visibility can help build their careers, it also comes with drawbacks—every public interaction, especially when linked to another high-profile individual, is scrutinized and dissected.

For Cortez, the attention could be seen as a double-edged sword. While her talent in the octagon speaks for itself, her personal life has often become the focus of media attention.

From her relationship with Brian Ortega to her recent connection with O’Malley, fans seem as interested in her romantic life as they are in her fighting career. O’Malley, on the other hand, seems to embrace this attention, using it to fuel his persona both inside and outside the octagon.

O’Malley’s Recent Setback: Recovering from Injury

As the social media buzz about O’Malley and Cortez continues, it’s worth noting that O’Malley’s professional career is currently on pause.

The bantamweight champion recently faced a tough loss against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, where he lost by unanimous decision. It was a significant moment in O’Malley’s career, as he had built an impressive winning streak leading up to that fight.

Following the bout, O’Malley revealed that he had been dealing with a torn labrum, an injury that would require surgery. This injury has delayed his return to the octagon, with O’Malley not expected to fight again until 2025. The recovery process is likely to be lengthy, which could impact his training and performance in future fights.

Despite the setback, O’Malley remains a prominent figure in the UFC, and his time away from the sport will only add to the anticipation for his return. His appearance at the NFL game with Cortez suggests that he is still very much in the public eye, even as he navigates his recovery.

Tracy Cortez: Who Is She?

Rising Star in the Flyweight Division

While much of the attention has been on O’Malley, it’s important not to overlook Cortez’s accomplishments.³

She is a rising star in the UFC’s flyweight division, with a 10-1 record in professional MMA. Cortez’s journey in the UFC has been impressive, as she has remained undefeated since joining the promotion in 2019. Her grappling-heavy style and relentless work ethic have earned her respect within the sport.

Cortez is also known for overcoming personal challenges throughout her career. She lost her older brother, Jose Cortez, to cancer when she was 14 years old, and his memory continues to serve as a source of motivation for her.

This personal tragedy has shaped her fighting spirit, and she often speaks about the importance of resilience and perseverance.

Despite the social media frenzy surrounding her personal life, Cortez remains focused on her goals inside the octagon. As she continues to rise through the ranks, she is viewed as a potential contender for the flyweight title in the coming years.

The Intersection of Personal and Professional Lives in MMA

The images of O’Malley and Cortez at the NFL game serve as a reminder of how intertwined personal and professional lives have become for UFC fighters.

In an era where social media amplifies every moment, even casual public outings can generate headlines and speculation. While the UFC is known for its thrilling fight action, the personalities of the fighters are just as much a part of the entertainment.

Fighters like O’Malley and Cortez walk a fine line between their roles as athletes and public figures. Their personal lives, whether by choice or circumstance, are often shared with the world, contributing to their larger-than-life personas.

For fans, this blend of reality TV-style drama and elite athleticism makes the UFC a unique spectacle, where the stories outside the octagon are just as compelling as the battles inside it.