When the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2026, the world of mixed martial arts was given a rare glimpse behind the curtain of two of its brightest stars. Alex Pereira, the formidable UFC light heavyweight champion known as “Poatan,” and Tracy Cortez, a rising contender in the UFC flyweight division, went public with their romantic relationship, sending shockwaves—and plenty of well-wishes—through the MMA community. It was a moment that felt both unexpected and oddly fitting, considering both fighters’ high profiles and the often intense scrutiny they face inside and outside the Octagon.
The news broke in the most modern of ways: through Instagram stories. Pereira, whose social media presence is typically reserved for fight hype or the occasional stoic selfie, posted a photo showing himself standing behind Cortez, his arm wrapped gently around her waist. The caption was simple—“New year”—but the image spoke volumes. There they stood, surrounded by the soft glow of sparklers, looking every bit the picture of a couple ushering in a new chapter together. As reported by Bloody Elbow, this marked a significant shift for Pereira, who rarely lets fans peek into his personal life.
But the confirmation didn’t stop there. Tracy Cortez, not to be outdone, shared her own Instagram story—a more overt declaration—posting a photo of the two sharing a kiss, again surrounded by sparklers and the festive energy of New Year’s Eve. The caption, “Entering 2026,” was accompanied by a cascade of heart emojis and the background strains of “Cosita Linda” by Elena Rose and Justin Quiles, a song whose opening lyric, “life is beautiful,” perfectly captured the mood. According to Mundo Deportivo, the image and music together left no doubt: this was a genuine celebration of both the new year and a new relationship.
It didn’t take long for the MMA world to react. Social media lit up with fans and fellow fighters alike weighing in on the new couple, with many noting that this pairing of two active UFC standouts from different divisions was something of a rarity. “Look out, Paige VanZant and Austin Vanderford, there’s a new UFC power couple in town,” Bloody Elbow quipped, referencing another well-known MMA duo. The buzz was as much about the personalities involved as it was about the symbolic union of two fighters navigating the pressures and spotlight of top-tier competition.
Pereira’s reputation inside the cage is the stuff of legend. The Brazilian knockout artist last fought in October 2025 at UFC 320, where he reclaimed his light heavyweight title by dispatching Magomed Ankalaev in a mere 80 seconds—a dramatic reversal after losing to Ankalaev via decision earlier in the year at UFC 313. That victory solidified his status as one of the sport’s most dangerous and resilient champions. As Bloody Elbow noted, Pereira’s ability to bounce back from defeat with such dominance is part of what makes him a fan favorite and a feared opponent.
Yet, as 2026 began, Pereira found himself in a different kind of battle. The champion revealed on social media that he’s currently recovering from a broken foot, casting uncertainty over his immediate fighting future. This injury, he suggested, might be part of the reason why a much-anticipated bout—one he had hoped would take place at the White House on June 14—was no longer in the cards. “Looks like the White House is a no go!!!” Pereira wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo with UFC president Dana White. The prospect of a UFC event at such a historic venue had captured imaginations, but for now, those dreams are on hold.
Even with his foot in recovery, Pereira’s ambitions haven’t dimmed. He’s openly discussed his interest in eventually facing UFC legend Jon Jones, a fight that would pit two of the sport’s most decorated champions against each other in a true clash of titans. Whether that super fight materializes remains to be seen, but Pereira’s willingness to chase big moments—both professionally and personally—continues to define his career.
Tracy Cortez, meanwhile, has quietly built her own reputation as a tough and talented competitor in the flyweight division. Her rise through the UFC ranks has been marked by grit, determination, and a growing fan base drawn to her fighting style and candid personality. Her decision to share such a personal moment with Pereira on social media only endeared her further to supporters, who praised the couple’s openness and chemistry.
Their announcement also highlights a broader trend in the world of MMA, where fighters are increasingly comfortable sharing aspects of their private lives with fans. This transparency, while sometimes risky, helps humanize athletes who are often seen solely through the lens of competition. As Bloody Elbow pointed out, “this one stands out because it unites two active and highly visible UFC athletes from different divisions. It also adds a compelling new narrative to the evolving personal lives of MMA stars as they navigate careers in the public eye, with the world watching both inside and outside the cage.”
Of course, not all news in the MMA world is quite so heartwarming. In an unrelated but widely discussed incident, an Indian MMA fighter attempted to mimic Pereira’s signature walkout—complete with the bow-and-arrow pose and the same entrance music—only to be knocked out just ten seconds into his bout. As reported by Bloody Elbow, the moment provided a bit of comic relief and a reminder that swagger alone doesn’t win fights. “You can copy the walkout, the costumes, and the celebration, but if the fundamentals aren’t there, the ring doesn’t care who you think you’re channeling.”
Still, it’s the story of Pereira and Cortez that has captured the MMA zeitgeist as 2026 gets underway. Their willingness to share a slice of their happiness—however fleeting or enduring it may prove—offers fans a welcome respite from the usual grind of training camps, injuries, and title talk. For a sport that so often focuses on rivalry and adversity, moments of genuine connection and joy stand out all the more.
As the new year unfolds, all eyes will be on Pereira’s recovery and Cortez’s next steps in the Octagon. But for now, at least, the UFC has a new power couple who seem ready to face whatever comes next—together, with sparklers in hand and smiles on their faces.
