The UFC world was rocked by a whirlwind romance and a sudden split in the first week of 2026. Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and flyweight contender Tracy Cortez confirmed their relationship, only to announce their breakup just over a week later, leaving fans stunned by the rapid turn of events.
A Whirlwind Romance and a Viral Moment
The story began on January 1, 2026, when Pereira and Cortez surprised the mixed martial arts community by going public with their relationship on social media. The couple shared photos together, and the news spread like wildfire across fight circles.
The plot thickened just days later. Tracy Cortez posted a playful, now-viral video from an airplane. In the clip, she jokingly asked Pereira, "Will you marry me?" The champion responded with a light-hearted, "Chama, baby," a Portuguese phrase loosely meaning "call me" or "let's go." This fun exchange quickly crossed one million views online, fueling speculation about the couple's future.
The Sudden Split and a Symbolic Run
The fairy tale took a sharp turn on Friday, January 9, 2026. The 38-year-old Alex Pereira took to his Instagram story to announce that he and Cortez had decided to part ways. Pereira posted the message in both Portuguese and English, thanking fans for their support.
He explained that despite sharing good times, they believed it was better to go their separate paths. Pereira expressed well-wishes for Cortez, stating he wished her the "very best in her journey." Alongside this announcement, Pereira shared a poignant and symbolic video.
The clip showed the champion running shirtless at night in the middle of a thunderstorm. As rain poured down, he could be heard saying, "Rain of blessings, God is good all the time," showcasing his steadfast faith even during a personal low moment. As of now, Tracy Cortez has not made any public statement regarding the breakup.
Past Connections and Fan Reactions
The relationship had captivated fans not just for its speed, but also due to Cortez's high-profile past. Before dating Pereira, she was reportedly engaged to fellow UFC star Brian Ortega. This history added an extra layer of intrigue, with Ortega himself reacting online when Pereira and Cortez first went public.
The rapid sequence of events—from the New Year's Eve hints to the public confirmation, the viral proposal, and the abrupt breakup—has left the MMA community abuzz. Fans are expressing surprise at the relationship's quick end, especially following such a public and seemingly joyful start.
With both athletes remaining active and focused on their UFC careers, the world will be watching closely to see what comes next for the champion Pereira and the contender Cortez, both inside and outside the Octagon.
