Tracy Cortez is one of those athletes whose athletic career loses the spotlight to personal life. Often. And when it came to her relationship with fellow UFC star Brian Ortega, fans followed every twist and turn like a championship rivalry.

Now, with Cortez preparing to return at UFC 317 against Viviane Araujo after nearly a year away, people aren’t just asking about her comeback. They want to know: who’s in her corner outside the cage? Is she dating anyone in 2025?

What happened between Tracy Cortez and Brian Ortega?

It all began with a bold Instagram comment. Brian Ortega wrote under one of Cortez’s Instagram posts, “F—- ima shoot my shot.” That one-liner kicked off a whirlwind romance that soon became public. From Instagram moments to UFC corners, the two seemed inseparable.

But in 2023, Tracy Cortez, who was reported to have been engaged to Brian Ortega, saw the end of their relationship. They started dating in 2020, and when things ended, it got really ugly as a social media war ensued between the two. 

Ortega wrote on X, “Everyone out here talking bout I fumbled. Y’all must not know the rules of the game. When you drop the ball on accident, that’s a fumble, but when you throw it away on purpose, that’s called a complete pass. Top G s—- !”

It was a clear sign that the relationship had ended, and on his terms. Yet, Cortez fired back with, “Let me just say that to this day, I’ve yet to say anything negative about you or bash your name! Don’t start throwing shade now.”

The back-and-forth was raw but respectful, with both fighters choosing to walk away, publicly, from their relationship. But what happened after the storm? Let’s take a look at where Tracy Cortez stands today.

Tracy Cortez’s relationship status in 2025

As of now, Cortez appears single and focused on her UFC career. With a record of 11-2 and her return bout against Viviane Araujo set for UFC 317, she’s been all about business.

In recent months, Cortez hasn’t shared any romantic updates on social media. So if fans are wondering whether she’s dating anyone, the answer may be no. At least, not publicly. Cortez is keeping things quiet, and maybe that’s exactly how she wants it. Still, one name kept popping up, and that’s Paulo Costa.

Were Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa dating?

No, Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa were never in a relationship. But the internet sure thought otherwise.

Rumors started flying when the two were spotted together, just around the time her split with Ortega went public. But Cortez shut it all down in a lighthearted way during an interview where he joked that even taking a photo with someone sparks dating rumors now.

She also revealed that Paulo Costa and his girlfriend, Tamara Alves, even video-called her to talk about the rumors, and all three had a good laugh. So, were they ever together? Not even close. Just good friends caught in the whirlwind of online gossip.

In the end, Tracy Cortez isn’t letting romance or rumors distract her. She’s gearing up for a crucial fight against Araujo at UFC 317, her first since a tough loss to Rose Namajunas last July.