The rivalry between Tracy Cortez and Ailin Perez is not just about missed weights and social media jabs. It’s about two athletes vying for recognition and dominance in a highly competitive sport
Both have had their ups and downs, and their ongoing feud has only added to the drama. Whether or not the UFC decides to book a fight between them, the tension is palpable, and fans will be watching closely to see what happens next.
In a sport where weight classes and professionalism are paramount, the Cortez-Perez rivalry serves as a reminder of the intense pressures fighters face.
As both fighters continue to build their legacies, this rivalry could become one of the defining storylines of their careers.
Tracy Cortez’s rise in the world of MMA is a testament to her strength, skill, and unwavering dedication. From a young girl inspired by her brother’s dream to a professional fighter making her own mark in the UFC, Cortez has shown that she has the heart and talent to reach the top.
As she continues her journey, she carries with her the memory of her brother, using it as a source of strength to push forward and achieve greatness.
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Tracy Cortez Fires Back at Ailin Perez After Weight Miss
The rivalry between UFC fighters Tracy Cortez and Ailin Perez has been reignited following Perez’s failure to make weight at UFC Paris.1
The Argentine fighter weighed in at 136.6 pounds, slightly above the 136-pound limit for a non-title bantamweight bout.
This mishap came after Perez had previously mocked Cortez for her struggles on the scale earlier in the year, making the incident particularly ironic and setting the stage for a heated exchange on social media.
Unbothered is an understatement 🏝️🌅😘💕👙 pic.twitter.com/hhPYIEK7OW
— Tracy Cortez’s ERA (@TracyCortezmma) September 28, 2024
Perez Misses Weight at UFC Paris
Ailin Perez’s UFC Paris appearance against Darya Zheleznyakova was meant to be another stepping stone in her career.
However, the weigh-in ceremony turned out to be a controversial moment as Perez came in 0.6 pounds over the bantamweight limit.
While the margin may seem minor, weight issues in professional MMA often bring about intense scrutiny, especially when the fighters have a history of making weight-related comments about each other. Despite the weight miss, Perez managed to secure a first-round submission victory against Zheleznyakova.
However, as per UFC rules, Perez will forfeit 20 percent of her fight purse to her opponent due to the missed weight, regardless of her performance in the Octagon.
Tracy Cortez: Stinging Response on Social Media
Tracy Cortez, who is no stranger to weight-cut struggles herself, did not miss the opportunity to chime in on Perez’s predicament.2
Cortez took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her thoughts, throwing a direct jab at Perez’s weight miss. “Y’all won’t catch me talking sh** here on social media BUT my oh MY how the tables have turned. 136.6 [pounds] lol,” Cortez wrote.
Her comment was a direct reference to Perez’s previous mocking of Cortez’s struggles to make weight during her UFC Denver showdown against Rose Namajunas in July.
The jab was not just about Perez’s weight miss but also a nod to the ongoing tension between the two fighters. With both athletes competing in or near the same weight classes, it’s clear that their rivalry isn’t just limited to verbal exchanges but could very well set the stage for an in-cage showdown.
Perez’s Retort: “I’d Rather Lose 20% of My Purse Than Half My Hair”
Not one to back down, Ailin Perez swiftly responded to Cortez’s comments. The Argentine fighter, known for her feisty personality, shot back by saying, “I would rather lose 20% of my purse than half my hair along with the fight @TracyCortezmma.”
This was a direct dig at Cortez’s previous weight-cutting measures, where the American fighter had to cut off a substantial portion of her hair to make weight for her bout against Namajunas.
Despite her efforts, Cortez ended up suffering a lopsided defeat in the five-round main event, making Perez’s retort even more stinging.
The History of Their Beef
The tension between Cortez and Perez isn’t new. Their rivalry dates back to when both fighters had trouble making weight for respective bouts.
Perez had previously made comments that seemed to undermine Cortez’s professionalism, suggesting that fighters should not compete in a division where they struggle to meet the weight requirements. This reignited rivalry comes at a time when both fighters are looking to solidify their standings in the bantamweight division.
In July, when Cortez struggled to make weight for her high-profile fight against Rose Namajunas, Perez was quick to mock the situation on social media. She implied that Cortez’s inability to make weight was unprofessional and deserved criticism.
The ongoing social media spat between the two has now escalated to a new level with Perez’s own failure on the scale.
A Call for a Showdown
- Following the recent exchanges, Perez went one step further and called out Cortez for a bantamweight showdown.
- This call-out was a bold move considering the animosity that has built up between them.
- A matchup between Cortez and Perez would be highly anticipated, not just because of their fighting abilities but also due to the personal nature of their rivalry.
- The two have yet to face each other in the Octagon, but with the way things are unfolding, a future bout could be a major draw for the UFC.
- Perez has shifted weight classes multiple times in her career. She started out in the flyweight division but has since settled into the bantamweight category.
- Meanwhile, Cortez has primarily competed as a flyweight, with only one professional appearance at bantamweight.
- That came in November 2019 when she defeated Vanessa Melo by unanimous decision in her UFC debut.
- The weight class disparity could add an extra layer of intrigue if the two were to meet, as both fighters would have to consider the physical advantages and disadvantages of fighting at 135 pounds.
Tracy Cortez: Weight Issues in MMA
A Persistent Problem
Weight cutting is a persistent issue in mixed martial arts, and the rivalry between Cortez and Perez is a testament to the challenges fighters face when trying to make weight.3
Weight cutting can lead to health issues, reduce a fighter’s performance, and in some cases, result in forfeitures and penalties. Fighters missing weight are typically required to surrender a portion of their purse to their opponent, as seen in Perez’s recent bout.
While some fighters have chosen to move up a weight class to avoid these issues, others continue to struggle in their chosen divisions, leading to situations like the one between Cortez and Perez.
The ongoing public spat highlights the added pressure fighters face not just to perform in the Octagon but to meet the stringent weight requirements as well.
The UFC has seen numerous fighters deal with weight-cutting controversies, and the organization has made attempts to address these problems by introducing early weigh-ins and monitoring fighters’ weight more closely.
However, as long as weight classes exist, so will the issues surrounding them.
What’s Next for Cortez and Perez?
With both fighters trading barbs on social media, fans and analysts alike are wondering if the UFC will capitalize on this rivalry and book a fight between Cortez and Perez.
A potential matchup could serve as a co-main event or even headline a UFC Fight Night, considering the backstory and the anticipation it has generated.
A fight between the two would allow them to settle their differences once and for all and establish their respective places in the bantamweight hierarchy.
It’s also worth noting that both fighters are at critical junctures in their careers. Cortez’s loss to Rose Namajunas was a significant setback, and a win over Perez could put her back on track.
On the other hand, Perez’s recent victory, despite the weight miss, shows that she’s still a formidable opponent. A win over Cortez would help cement her status in the division and potentially pave the way for more high-profile fights.
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Tracy Cortez: Bio
A Rising Star in the UFC Flyweight Division
Tracy Cortez, born on December 10, 1993, is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Known for her resilience, skill, and compelling backstory, Cortez has become a standout athlete in a highly competitive sport.
As of July 16, 2024, she is ranked #12 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings, and her future in the sport appears to be bright.
This article delves into her early life, career beginnings, journey through personal tragedy, and rise in the UFC.
Early Life and Background
Tracy Cortez was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, to a family of Mexican descent.
Her upbringing was marked by the challenges and experiences of a household of Mexican immigrants, where she learned the values of perseverance and hard work from an early age.
Growing up in Phoenix with her three brothers—Jose, J.R., and Abraham—Cortez’s early life was filled with the influence of strong family ties and a deep connection to her heritage.
The Influence of Her Eldest Brother, Jose
Cortez’s entry into mixed martial arts (MMA) was largely inspired by her oldest brother, Jose Cortez.
Jose aspired to be a UFC fighter and took on former UFC veteran Drew Fickett in an MMA match in November 2008, where he emerged victorious via split decision.
Witnessing her brother’s success sparked something in young Tracy, and she decided to pursue the sport herself. This was the beginning of a journey that would be both rewarding and incredibly challenging.
Tragedy Strikes the Family
Shortly after his fight with Fickett, Jose began experiencing cardiovascular issues and was later diagnosed with germ cell cancer.
The disease devastated the family, and Jose’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He fought bravely but succumbed to the illness in 2011. Jose’s death left a deep void in Cortez’s life, and she struggled to cope with the loss of her role model and mentor.
The pain and depression following his passing could have ended her MMA journey before it even began, but Tracy used the experience as fuel to honor her brother’s memory through her career.
Tracy Cortez: MMA Career
Overcoming Grief and Finding Strength
Cortez’s path to professional MMA was not an easy one. The death of her brother left her emotionally shattered, and she faced an internal struggle that few could understand.
However, her family—along with the support of UFC legends Henry and Angel Cejudo, who were close friends of Jose—helped her channel her grief into something positive.
The Cejudo brothers guided her through her early training and provided emotional support, acting as mentors and motivators during her most difficult times.
Honoring Her Brother’s Memory
Tracy has a tattoo on her arm in remembrance of Jose. It serves as a constant reminder of the man who inspired her to step into the cage.
Every time she faces adversity, whether in training or in competition, she thinks about her brother’s battle with cancer and his unwavering courage.
“Every time I feel tired or I feel fatigued or I question anything, I think like, damn, my brother fought with cancer in his heart and he didn’t give up,” Tracy once said. “He fought through it. I’m perfectly healthy. I’m more than capable to do what I’m doing. This is easy work. That’s a huge motivator for me.”
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Since joining the UFC, Cortez has continued to develop her skills, becoming a well-rounded fighter known for her strong wrestling base, powerful striking, and tactical intelligence inside the cage.
Her approach is methodical and strategic, often overwhelming opponents with her relentless pressure and ground control. Each fight has seen her grow, not just as an athlete, but as a competitor who can adapt and evolve with each new challenge.
Facing Tough Competition
Cortez has faced some of the toughest fighters in the women’s flyweight division. Despite the stiff competition, she has consistently managed to find ways to win, using her skills and heart to outwork her opponents.
Her performances have not only earned her victories but have also gained the respect of fans and analysts alike. As of mid-2024, she is positioned as a legitimate contender within the division, and her future in the sport looks promising.
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