Tracy Cortez steps into the biggest fight of her career this Saturday night at UFC 322, taking on top flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield in a high-stakes matchup that could catapult the winner into the title conversation.
Cortez (12-2) meets Blanchfield in a rematch of their 2019 clash at Invicta FC 34, where she edged out a split-decision victory. Five years later, the stakes are much higher as the two reunite inside the Octagon, a rematch that’s been a frequent topic of conversation, though Cortez insists she doesn’t mind the attention.
“I knew it was going to happen eventually. It was just a matter of when,” Cortez told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“I don’t mind it. It’s part of the job. I’m not really fazed by it at all.”
Despite the growing hype around their rematch, Cortez carries no animosity toward Blanchfield, only respect for how much both have evolved since their first meeting.
“I think she’s done an incredible job in her career. I’ve seen her and we both started roughly around the same time, we fought each other back in Invicta, and she’s grown, she’s evolved,” she said.
“I can say I have as well. We’re both very much different fighters so what happened the first fight it’ll be nothing like that first fight. It would be a lot more exciting.”
Cortez spent time training in Connecticut with LFA flyweight Aline Pereira, a high-level striker who competes this Friday at LFA 222. The younger sister of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, Aline brought valuable striking rounds for Cortez.
“She’s a great person, she’s an amazing athlete. I think it’s time for her to also be in the UFC, you know,” said Cortez.
“She’s also a flyweight, but she’s an incredible athlete, she’s an incredible striker. She actually fights this Friday so I’ll be tuning in to watch her fight while I’m cutting weight.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Tracy Cortez above. She faces Erin Blanchfield at UFC 322 on Saturday night.
