January 1, 2026: Alex Pereira and Tracy Cortez Confirm Relationship
The mixed martial arts world woke up to a different kind of knockout on New Year’s Day. In a move that has sent social media into a frenzy, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira and top-ranked Flyweight contender Tracy Cortez have officially confirmed their romantic relationship.
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Alex Pereira and Tracy Cortez Confirm Relationship to Kick Off 2026
The announcement—delivered via synchronized and surprisingly affectionate social media posts—has effectively crowned them the sport’s newest high-profile power couple, merging the fanbases of one of the UFC’s most terrifying strikers and one of its most popular stars.
The Announcement Heard ‘Round the World
Speculation had been bubbling in MMA forums for weeks, fueled by eagle-eyed fans spotting the two in the same locations. However, the confirmation came as the clock struck midnight.
Tracy Cortez took to Instagram Stories first, sharing a video of the pair surrounded by New Year’s sparklers. The clip featured the typically stoic Pereira smiling—a rare sight for the champion known for his “stone face”—before the two shared a kiss. Her caption was simple but definitive: “Entering 2026,” followed by a series of heart emojis.
Moments later, Pereira reposted the story to his own massive following, adding his own photo of the two with his arm around Cortez, captioned simply: “New Year.”
The “Chama” Charm Meets the Flyweight Star
The pairing has captivated fans due to the stark contrast in the fighters’ public personas:
- Alex Pereira (Poatan): The Brazilian superstar has built a mythos around his terrifying power, indigenous roots, and a nearly emotionless demeanor. His catchphrase “Chama” and his rapid ascent to becoming a two-division champion have made him a cult hero.
- Tracy Cortez: Known for her wrestling prowess and significant social media influence, Cortez has been a fixture in the Flyweight division. Her ability to market herself and connect with fans has made her one of the most recognizable female athletes on the roster.
Social Media Reacts: Memes and Shock
As expected, the internet remains undefeated. Within hours of the posts, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with reactions.
“Alex Pereira smiling is the scariest thing I’ve seen in 2026 so far. Cortez has powers we don’t understand.” — Top Reddit Comment
“We got Poatan in a rom-com arc before GTA 6.” — X User
Fans have also been quick to point out the dramatic “soap opera” angle of the UFC. Cortez was previously engaged to fellow featherweight contender Brian Ortega. Given Pereira’s history of systematically defeating rivals and his rapid clearing of divisions, fans are already jokingly speculating about a potential Pereira vs. Ortega matchup, despite the massive weight class difference.
What This Means for 2026
While the relationship is personal, the professional implications are intriguing for the UFC marketing machine.
- A Marketing Dream: The UFC rarely has two active, high-level stars dating openly. We can expect the broadcast team to feature them heavily in each other’s corners during upcoming fight weeks.
- Pereira’s Soft Side? Fans are eager to see if this new chapter affects Pereira’s focus or if it simply adds to the lore of a man who seems to succeed at everything he touches.
For now, the “King of the Favelas” has found his Queen. As the UFC prepares for its first pay-per-view of 2026, all eyes will be on this duo, both inside and outside the Octagon.
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