Los Angeles — Tracy Cortez was in Los Angeles this past week at East L.A. Jiu-Jitsu, making an appearance ahead of UFC 311, and helping teach youngsters.
Her advice to those kids (and adults) starting out, “always be a student. Always be a student in anything in life. Don’t be afraid to learn. Don’t ever believe you know it all, because you don’t. Life comes at you in waves.”
Speaking with Cageside Press in an exclusive interview, Cortez (11-2) noted her blessings, and added “drop the ego, be willing to ask, and continue to learn. Continue to learn. Be a student of life, of the game, of education. Of jiu-jitsu.”
For Tracy Cortez, the impact of martial arts on her life is clear, and goes beyond just having a career in fighting.
“Like every fighter: myself, ex-world champ Charles Oliveira, it changed our life, it paved the way for us. In other people’s eyes, this wasn’t our journey. We were supposed to be street kids. And look at what we’re doing. Look at what martial arts has blessed us with.”
Now, Cortez is the one speaking to kids like herself as a youngster, looking for a way out. “So it’s a blessing to be here. Martial arts gave me life.”
Cortez has not fought since a July loss to “Thug” Rose Namajunas; that fight was booked despite Tracy already having a date with Miranda Maverick on the books. A rescheduled bout with Maverick was booked for December, only for that to fall through as well.
Could the third time be the charm? Perhaps not, as Cortez appears to have lost interest in the Maverick match-up.
“I’ve moved on. Respectfully, I have nothing against Miranda, it was just the way the cards played out,” stated Cortez. “First time, they offered me, three weeks out of the fight with Miranda they offered me Rose. An opportunity, a Hall of Famer, I’m not saying no to that.”
“This last one, before we signed the contract, I got scheduled for surgery, I had just personal [issues]. Would we schedule it again? Honestly I don’t know. It’s something that I don’t even think the fans care for much anymore.”
Cortez added however that the time might come where the fight is booked, given how divisions change over time. “Nothing is guaranteed, anything can happen. I don’t know, we’ll see what happens in future.”
Then there’s rivalries with Jasmine Jasudavicius and bantamweight Ailin Perez. Cortez didn’t really respond directly when either name was mentioned. “Right now, I’m just in the present moment. And when the time comes, the opportunity comes and contracts are signed, the world will see.”
While Cortez and Perez fight in different weight classes, the pair have beefed online. And on Saturday, they appeared to get into a little spat backstage at UFC 311.
Coming off surgery, Tracy Cortez wants to ensure she’s fully healthy before she steps back in the cage.
“I’m getting back to health, it was about a month ago, going on two months. I’m just easing my way back into it, making sure my body stays healthy and remains healthy, and I don’t rush into things too fast the way I used to. Because being 31, I just want to make sure— my body is my temple and I just want to make sure I’m protected and I’m healthy, and I can just put on a show for the fans.”
Watch our full interview with UFC women’s flyweight Tracy Cortez above.