The new year of 2026 has brought a major personal revelation from inside the world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Alex Pereira, the reigning and dominant UFC light heavyweight champion, has confirmed he is in a relationship with fellow UFC athlete Tracy Cortez. The Brazilian knockout artist, popularly known by his nickname "Poatan," made the announcement through an affectionate social media post during the New Year's celebrations, sending the mixed martial arts (MMA) community into a frenzy.
Social Media Announcement Captures Hearts
The confirmation came via a simple yet powerful post on Pereira's Instagram. The champion shared a story featuring a photo where he is seen wrapping his arms around Tracy Cortez from behind. Both were dressed in matching festive sweaters, adding to the cozy and celebratory vibe. Pereira captioned the image in his native Portuguese with the words "New year," a clear nod to fresh beginnings both inside and outside the octagon.
Cortez, competing in the women's flyweight division, reciprocated the sentiment on her own social media. She shared stories from their evening, including a particularly romantic snapshot of the couple sharing a New Year's kiss, beautifully framed by sparkling sparklers. These genuine and affectionate displays quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and comments from fans and fighters alike.
Background of the UFC Power Couple
This revelation is especially noteworthy given Alex Pereira's typically private nature. The 38-year-old Brazilian is a former two-division champion and one of the most feared strikers in UFC history, known for his devastating knockout power rooted in his elite kickboxing background. He spectacularly reclaimed the light heavyweight title in 2025, cementing his legacy as an all-time great.
On the other side of this new relationship is Tracy Cortez, a determined and skilled fighter who has built a solid reputation in her division. She was previously linked to fighter Brian Ortega before their split in 2023. Cortez has often trained in Brazil and has spoken positively about working with Pereira's training circle in the past, which now adds an intriguing layer to their connection.
MMA World Reacts to the Surprise Romance
The announcement has dominated MMA discussions as the first major story of 2026. Fans across social media platforms have expressed a mix of surprise and delight at this cross-division UFC romance. Many have drawn comparisons to other famous fighter couples within the sport, such as Paige VanZant and Austin Vanderford.
As the year unfolds, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on both Alex Pereira and Tracy Cortez. The world will be watching not only for their performances and potential title pursuits inside the cage but also for the development of this high-profile relationship that has captured the imagination of fight fans globally.
