UFC Rising Star Tracy Cortez is the Newest Stake Global Sports Ambassador

If there is one certainty in the expanding joint sports, entertainment, and wagering industry, it is Stake, the leading online crypto sportsbook signing new stars to their ambassadorship roster. As one of the biggest rising stars in the entire UFC, not just the women’s side, Tracy Cortez already has a strong reputation for her relentless work ethic, elite fighting, and a growing global fan base well beyond the USA. She has continued to move through the highest levels of MMA and is on the precipice of ultimate stardom. Since she is an athlete who embodies all of the values that Stake shares, mainly determination, resilience, and huge ambition, it was a no brainer for the two sides to partner up and chase glory together through a strong working relationship.

The ambassador portfolio of Stake is one to behold, with some huge names from different sports and show business already there. But what makes Tracy special is the fact that she is the only active female athlete currently on the roster. This means she will bring a significant presence and influence across the US and LATAM markets. She brings a lot of things the brand has been lacking and helps bring closer both the sport and the promotion on one side, and Stake’s platform and sportsbook on the other, to a different fan base. And in the latest Tracy Cortez Stake Ambassador news, she has even stated that there will be a presence on the sister platform KICK with some special streams, so make sure to tune in and watch her content and more 

Tracy Cortez UFC and MMA Career Thus Far 

Tracy Cortez has steadily established herself as one of the UFC’s most technically sound women’s flyweight contenders through a wrestling heavy style, disciplined pace, and consistent decision victories. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1993, Cortez began her professional MMA career in 2017 after competing in amateur wrestling and overcoming significant personal adversity. Following appearances in regional promotions and a successful outing on Dana White’s Contender Series, she made her UFC debut in November 2019. As of July 2026, Cortez owns a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses, with one victory by knockout, one by submission, and the majority coming by decision. These stats showcase her emphasis on positional control, takedowns, and top pressure rather than high volume finishing.

Cortez stands at 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) and has a 65 in (165 cm) reach. She is fighting out of Mexico City and belongs to the Fight Ready MMA and Neuro Force One teams. Her trainer is Santino Defranco. Cortez has quickly built momentum inside the Octagon by defeating Vanessa Melo, Justine Kish, Melissa Gatto, and Jasmine Jasudavicius. Those performances extended her UFC winning streak to five fights and earned her recognition as a legitimate contender in the increasingly competitive flyweight division. Her ability to dictate the pace with effective wrestling, maintain positional dominance, and neutralize dangerous strikers became defining features of her game. Her cardio and composure consistently allowed her to win rounds over experienced opposition.

The biggest test of Cortez’s career came in July 2024, when she accepted a short notice main event against former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas after another fighter withdrew. Cortez famously cut off part of her hair to make the flyweight limit, creating one of the most memorable weigh in moments in recent UFC history. Although she lost by unanimous decision, the bout demonstrated her toughness and willingness to face elite competition. She rebounded impressively by defeating Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision at UFC 317 before suffering a submission loss in a rematch against top contender Erin Blanchfield later in 2025, leaving her record at 12-3.

Looking ahead, Cortez remains firmly in the UFC’s flyweight rankings and continues pursuing another run toward title contention. Her next scheduled appearance is against rising contender Wang Cong at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, a matchup viewed as an important opportunity for both athletes to strengthen their position in the division. A victory would place Cortez back in the conversation for high profile bouts against the weight class’s leading contenders. With proven wrestling, improving striking, and experience against top ranked opposition, she remains one of the most respected competitors in the UFC women’s flyweight division and a fighter capable of challenging anyone in the top ten. 

UFC 329 Preview: Tracy Cortez VS Wang Cong 

So, how does Tracy Cortez stack up against Wang Cong? The huge event that is UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway is chock full of exciting bouts all over the classes. On paper, according to Stake’s latest odds, Cortez is a slight favorite with 1.88 odds against the Chinese fighter’s 1.93 odds. That is as close as it can be, and the fans should expect a hard fought matchup. Cortez is ranked 8th and has 3 wins in her past 5 fights and a career 12-3-0 record. Cong is ranked 12th and is 4-1 over her last 5, with an overall record of 9-1-0. 

As for the titular fight, the main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, the former is the underdog with 2.80 odds, with the latter at 1.44. Other exciting clashes include rank 5 Benoit Saint Denis vs tank 6 Paddy Pimblett in the lightweight division. The Frenchman is the favorite at 1.65 with 4-1 in his last 5 and 17-3-0 overall, against the Englishman at 2.25 with 4-1 and 23-4-0.

Stake’s Prior UFC Ambassadors 

As the fans can recognize, Cortez is hardly the first to have a strong working relationship with the leading online crypto casino and sportsbook Stake. Not at all, as ambassadorships have been the platform’s number one way of marketing over the last half a decade. Since the early 2020s, Stake has been relentless in its pursuit of recognition in the MMA and UFC spheres, and it has been fruitful for all sides: the fighters, the platform, and the fans alike. 

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya was the first UFC fighter to become a Stake ambassador when he joined the brand in early 2021 as its inaugural global MMA representative. His signing marked the beginning of Stake’s expansion into combat sports, with Adesanya fronting promotional campaigns, digital content, and fan engagement initiatives. At the time, he was one of the UFC’s biggest stars and the reigning middleweight champion. Since becoming an ambassador, Adesanya successfully defended his title several times before losing it to Alex Pereira in 2022. He reclaimed the championship in their rematch in 2023 but later dropped the belt again and has since experienced a mixed run of results while remaining one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira joined Stake’s ambassador roster in March of 2024 after establishing himself as one of the UFC’s fastest rising stars. His role focused on global marketing campaigns, social media content, and promoting Stake’s growing presence in MMA alongside its UFC partnership. Pereira quickly justified the investment by becoming one of the promotion’s biggest attractions. Since signing, he captured the light heavyweight championship, defended it multiple times, and cemented his reputation as one of the UFC’s premier knockout artists. His championship success and popularity have made him one of Stake’s most valuable sporting ambassadors.

Max Holloway

Former featherweight champion Max Holloway became a Stake ambassador as the company continued adding established UFC stars to its portfolio. Holloway’s popularity, entertaining fighting style, and loyal fan base made him a natural fit for promotional appearances, digital campaigns, and fan focused content. Since joining Stake, Holloway has continued competing at the highest level, producing memorable performances including his spectacular BMF title victory over Justin Gaethje in 2024. Although no longer a reigning champion, he remains one of the UFC’s most respected veterans and consistently headlines major events while maintaining his status as one of the sport’s biggest personalities.

Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili joined Stake in December of 2024, just before his relentless rise through the bantamweight division turned him into a genuine championship contender. His ambassador duties centered on representing the brand through promotional campaigns and UFC related content aimed at international audiences. Since becoming an ambassador, Dvalishvili reached the pinnacle of the division by winning the UFC bantamweight title and successfully establishing himself among the elite fighters on the roster. His incredible cardio, relentless wrestling, and growing global popularity have strengthened Stake’s presence within the UFC’s championship ranks.

Caio Borralho

Brazilian middleweight Caio Borralho was also added to Stake’s ambassador lineup in 2024, one of the company’s emerging talent signings. Rather than relying solely on established champions, Stake identified Borralho as a rising contender with long term marketing potential. His role has included promotional appearances, digital content, and representing Stake within the Brazilian MMA market. Since joining the brand, Borralho has continued climbing the middleweight rankings with an impressive unbeaten UFC run. He has evolved from a promising prospect into a legitimate contender, validating Stake’s strategy of partnering with athletes before they reach championship status.

Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja became a Stake ambassador while already among the UFC’s elite flyweights in early 2024. As one of Brazil’s top champions, he has featured prominently in Stake’s promotional campaigns, particularly around major UFC events and the company’s expansion in key MMA markets. Since joining, Pantoja has remained one of the division’s dominant champions, has defended his title, and reinforced his reputation through consistently high level performances. His championship pedigree and exciting fighting style have made him an important ambassador for Stake’s growing relationship with the promotion and its ever growing global fan base.

Tracy Cortez FAQs and Trivia 

Who is Tracy Cortez?
Tracy Cortez is an American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, she earned her UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019 and has built a reputation as one of the division’s toughest and most technically sound contenders.

What is Tracy Cortez’s fighting style?
Cortez is known for her well rounded MMA game and a combination of strong wrestling, effective grappling, and steadily improving boxing. She often controls the pace of fights with takedowns, positional dominance, and disciplined striking.

How did Tracy Cortez get into mixed martial arts?
She originally began training as a hobby before one of her coaches recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to compete. After several amateur bouts, she turned professional in 2017 and quickly climbed the ranks.

Who inspired Tracy Cortez to pursue a fighting career?
Tracy has frequently spoken about the profound influence of her late brother, Jose Cortez, who was also a fighter. After he passed away from cancer, she dedicated much of her career to honoring his memory and often cites him as her greatest inspiration.

How did Cortez get into the UFC?
She impressed UFC president Dana White with a unanimous decision victory over Mariya Agapova on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019. The feat earned her a contract with the promotion.

What are Cortez’s biggest strengths inside the Octagon?
Her biggest strengths include excellent cardio, strong defensive wrestling, relentless pressure, and composure over either three or five rounds. She has earned many of her victories by consistently outworking opponents rather than relying on knockout power.

Has she faced any major challenges outside the cage?
In late 2024, Cortez underwent surgery after doctors discovered three non cancerous abdominal tumors. She made a successful recovery and returned to competition, demonstrating remarkable resilience during a difficult period.

What makes Tracy Cortez popular among UFC fans?
Except for her fighting, fans appreciate Tracy’s determination, inspirational personal story, engaging personality, and active presence on social media. Her perseverance through personal hardships has earned widespread respect within the MMA community.

What division does Tracy Cortez compete in?
Cortez competes in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division (125 pounds), where she has established herself as a ranked contender by defeating several experienced opponents and consistently competing against elite talent.

What are Cortez’s goals in the UFC?
Cortez has repeatedly stated that her ultimate ambition is to become the UFC women’s flyweight champion. She continues to refine her skills while taking on increasingly difficult competition in pursuit of a title opportunity.