The new year of 2026 brought a delightful surprise for the mixed martial arts community as two of the UFC's prominent fighters, Alex Pereira and Tracy Cortez, chose to make their personal relationship public. The revelation came not through a formal announcement but through a series of coordinated social media posts that left little to the imagination for their global fanbase.
A New Year's Revelation on Social Media
On the very first day of 2026, both Pereira and Cortez took to Instagram to share moments from their New Year celebration. The timing was impeccable, with the posts appearing just as the clock struck midnight, symbolizing a fresh start. Pereira, the feared UFC light heavyweight champion, posted an Instagram story where he was seen standing behind Cortez with his arms wrapped around her. The couple sported matching holiday sweaters, adding to the charm of the moment.
His caption was succinct yet powerful, written in his native Portuguese: "New year." Fans quickly interpreted this as a sign of a new beginning, not just for the calendar but for their lives together. Around the same time, Tracy Cortez shared her own content, which included a particularly romantic video. The clip captured the couple sharing a New Year's kiss while holding sparklers, a cinematic moment that confirmed the nature of their bond.
Fan Reactions and Fighter Backgrounds
The images and videos spread across social media platforms like wildfire. Reactions from MMA fans were swift and varied, ranging from surprise to overwhelming support. Many commended the couple for their discretion until this point. This public reveal marks a shift for Pereira, who, despite his towering fame as a 38-year-old champion known for his devastating striking, has famously kept his private life away from the spotlight.
On the other side is Tracy Cortez, a determined athlete in the UFC women's flyweight division. She has built her reputation through immense discipline and hard work. Previously, she was in a relationship with fellow fighter Brian Ortega, which ended in 2023. Since that separation, Cortez has been intensely focused on her training and fighting career. Interestingly, she has spent time training in Brazil and has spoken positively about the people associated with Pereira's team, hinting at a connection that may have blossomed over shared professional circles.
What This Means for Their UFC Journeys
This new development adds an intriguing personal layer to the professional narratives of both fighters. Pereira, who reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title in 2025, continues to be a dominant force. Cortez is steadily climbing the ranks in her division. Their relationship is now a significant point of interest for fans who will follow their upcoming fights with renewed curiosity, watching how this partnership influences their focus and drive inside the octagon. The couple's decision to share their joy publicly has undoubtedly humanized these elite warriors, creating a compelling storyline for the 2026 UFC season.
