The Truth About Tracy Cortez & Paulo Costa: Viral Selfie & Relationship Rumors

Jayme Macejkovic 19 Jun 2025

The MMA world was abuzz in 2023 with fervent speculation surrounding a rumored romantic relationship between two prominent UFC fighters: women’s flyweight contender Tracy Cortez and middleweight powerhouse Paulo Costa. This intense curiosity was primarily ignited by a single, widely shared selfie that quickly went viral across social media platforms, leading fans and media alike to question the nature of their connection. The sheer volume of discussion, fueled by social media's rapid dissemination of information, transformed a simple photograph into a major talking point within the combat sports community.

For months, the question lingered: were Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa truly in a romantic relationship, or was there more to the story than met the eye? This article delves deep into the origins of these rumors, the backstory of the infamous photo, and the definitive clarifications provided by both fighters, aiming to set the record straight and provide a comprehensive understanding of an event that captivated the MMA community. We will explore how a moment captured on camera escalated into widespread speculation, and how the individuals at its center ultimately addressed the swirling narratives.

Table of Contents:

The Viral Spark: How a Selfie Ignited the MMA Rumor Mill
Tracy Cortez: Beyond the Octagon and Into the Limelight
- Biography of Tracy Cortez
- Personal Data & Biodata: Tracy Cortez
The Noche UFC Encounter: Setting the Scene
Unraveling the Backstory: The Real Reason Behind the Photo
- A Shared Management Connection
- Cortez's Playful Trolling
Paulo Costa's Perspective: Coming Clean
Laying the Rumors to Rest: The Definitive Clarification
The Aftermath: Lessons in Social Media Speculation
E-E-A-T and YMYL in MMA Reporting

The Viral Spark: How a Selfie Ignited the MMA Rumor Mill

The saga of the rumored relationship between Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa truly began to gain traction in 2023, specifically after a period where Cortez went through a rough patch in her personal life. This turbulent time followed her publicized breakup with fellow UFC fighter Brian Ortega. It was in this context that UFC middleweight Paulo Costa shared a selfie with Tracy Cortez on his social media, a seemingly innocuous act that immediately grabbed the attention of MMA fans worldwide. The photo quickly became a flashpoint, setting the MMA world alight with wild speculations.

Fans were buzzing this summer when Cortez was seen in a selfie with fellow UFC fighter and frequent social media personality, Paulo Costa. The Brazilian fighter recently sparked a wildfire when he posted the selfie with the UFC women’s flyweight fighter. The post soon seized headlines, and the question on everyone's mind was: "Were Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa in a romantic relationship?" The sheer speed and intensity with which these rumors spread highlighted the power of social media in shaping public perception, often outpacing the facts. What exactly was the backstory of the pictures that made the fans think so? This single image became the catalyst for a whirlwind of discussions, debates, and assumptions across various online platforms, leading many to believe that a new power couple had emerged in the UFC.

Tracy Cortez: Beyond the Octagon and Into the Limelight

Before diving deeper into the viral selfie incident, it's essential to understand who Tracy Cortez is, both as a formidable athlete and a public figure. While she's undoubtedly a gifted fighter, known for her relentless pressure and well-rounded skill set inside the Octagon, Cortez is also widely known for her good looks and engaging personality, which contribute to her significant social media presence. Her journey in the UFC has seen her rise through the ranks, consistently proving her mettle against tough competition in the women's flyweight division. Her fighting style, characterized by a strong wrestling base and improving striking, has earned her a reputation as a tough and durable competitor.

Biography of Tracy Cortez

Tracy Cortez is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the women's flyweight division. Born in Arizona, Cortez has a background in wrestling, which has served as a strong foundation for her MMA career. She gained significant attention during her stint on Dana White's Contender Series, where she secured a contract with the UFC. Known for her aggressive style and determination, Cortez has steadily built an impressive professional record, earning unanimous decision victories and showcasing her ability to control fights. Her resilience and commitment to her craft have made her a fan favorite, drawing considerable attention both for her performances inside the cage and her engaging personality outside of it.

Personal Data & Biodata: Tracy Cortez

While primarily known for her athletic prowess, Tracy Cortez also has a background that hints at a strong academic and professional inclination, showcasing a multifaceted individual beyond the fighting world. This blend of athletic discipline and intellectual curiosity makes her a unique figure in the sport.

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Tracy Y. Cortez
Nationality	American
Division	Women's Flyweight
Notable For	UFC Fighter, Strong Wrestling Base, Engaging Personality
Education/Affiliation	The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (implied connection), Princeton (500+ connections on LinkedIn, suggesting professional network)
Professional Background	Skilled Educator, Trainer & Project Coordinator, Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Development (suggests a diverse professional skillset beyond MMA)
Location (Professional Context)	Edison, New Jersey, United States (professional network location)

The Noche UFC Encounter: Setting the Scene

The specific moment that sparked the widespread speculation about Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa occurred just last Saturday, September 16th, at Noche UFC. This event was a significant night for Cortez herself, as she secured another impressive win, defeating her opponent via a unanimous decision. The victory further cemented her standing as a legitimate contender in the women's flyweight division, showcasing her skills and determination. It was amidst the celebratory atmosphere of this fight night that the now-infamous selfie was taken.

The context of the photo is crucial: it wasn't a staged photoshoot or a private encounter, but rather a moment captured backstage at a major UFC event. The image quickly circulated, leading to a frenzy of discussions online. MMA fans were buzzing with excitement and curiosity, trying to piece together the narrative behind the picture. The timing, coming shortly after her personal struggles and a significant win, only added to the intrigue surrounding Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa, turning a simple photo opportunity into a viral sensation that demanded clarification.

Unraveling the Backstory: The Real Reason Behind the Photo

The intense speculation surrounding the selfie of Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa reached a fever pitch, with fans and media alike clamoring for answers. Finally, UFC women’s flyweight contender Tracy Cortez has opened up about her viral photo alongside Paulo Costa that caused quite a a stir amongst those who followed her love life. She detailed the backstory behind the viral selfie she took with UFC middleweight Paulo Costa, laying the rumors to rest by explaining the story behind her actions and the true nature of the interaction.

A Shared Management Connection

According to Cortez, the idea to capture the moment arose when she discovered that both she and Costa were represented by the same manager, Tiki Ghosn. This shared professional connection provided a natural and innocent reason for them to be in close proximity and to take a photo together. It was a simple, professional interaction between two athletes under the same management umbrella, rather than a clandestine romantic rendezvous. This detail, once revealed, immediately began to dismantle the elaborate theories that had been constructed around the image. It highlighted how easily a seemingly innocent interaction can be misconstrued and blown out of proportion in the age of instant information and widespread speculation, especially when involving public figures like Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa.

Cortez's Playful Trolling

Adding another layer to the story, Tracy Cortez isn’t above a little online trolling, and she admitted to having some fun with the situation. Speaking with Andrew Whitelaw in a Sportskeeda MMA exclusive interview, Tracy Cortez confirmed that she got a kick out of all the speculation online and decided to let it ride. This revelation provided insight into her personality and her willingness to engage with, and even playfully manipulate, the online narrative. Her decision to let the rumors simmer, even for a short period, undoubtedly amplified the buzz surrounding the supposed relationship between Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa. It demonstrated a savvy understanding of social media dynamics and a playful approach to her public image, even if it meant navigating a "rough patch in her personal life as rumors about the reasons behind their split ran."

Paulo Costa's Perspective: Coming Clean

While Tracy Cortez was the primary source of the detailed explanation, Paulo Costa also played a role in addressing the situation. The Brazilian fighter, known for his charismatic and often humorous social media presence, eventually came clean with his recent selfie with fellow UFC fighter, Tracy Cortez. His acknowledgment, though perhaps less detailed than Cortez's, served to corroborate her account and further dispel the romantic notions that had taken hold. The fact that both fighters, independently, provided explanations that aligned, reinforced the truth of their professional connection and the absence of any romantic involvement.

Costa's initial post had indeed sparked a wildfire, generating immense attention and leading many to believe that a new relationship was blossoming. However, his subsequent clarification, along with Cortez's more comprehensive explanation, helped to bring an end to the rampant speculation. It was a collective effort from both parties to manage the narrative and ensure that fans understood the true nature of their interaction, reinforcing that the viral selfie was nothing more than a friendly, professional encounter between two colleagues. The transparency from both Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa ultimately helped to quell the intense public curiosity.

Laying the Rumors to Rest: The Definitive Clarification

The period following the viral selfie was undoubtedly a challenging one for Tracy Cortez, as she navigated a rough patch in her personal life due to the incessant rumors about the reasons behind their supposed split. The intense scrutiny and speculative nature of the online discussions took a toll. However, Cortez ultimately laid the rumors to rest by explaining the real story behind her viral photo with Paulo Costa. She clearly stated that the interaction was purely professional and friendly, born out of a shared management connection with Tiki Ghosn, and not indicative of any romantic involvement.

This definitive clarification was crucial. MMA fighter, Tracy Cortez, explained the situation behind a selfie with fellow fighter Paulo Costa, which had led fans to wrongly assume a romantic relationship between them, stating they were simply colleagues. This direct and unambiguous statement from Cortez, later supported by Costa, served to dismantle the false narrative that had been constructed. The truth emerged: there was no romantic relationship between Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa. The viral photo, which had given rise to wild rumors on social media that were blown out of proportion, was finally understood in its proper context, allowing both fighters to move forward from the unwarranted speculation.

The Aftermath: Lessons in Social Media Speculation

The entire episode involving Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa serves as a compelling case study in the rapid spread and impact of social media speculation, particularly concerning public figures. What began as a simple selfie quickly spiraled into widespread dating rumors, fueled by eager fans and the inherent human desire for dramatic narratives. The incident highlighted how easily context can be lost, and how quickly assumptions can solidify into perceived truths in the digital age. Despite the clear explanations from both fighters, the initial buzz lingered for some time, demonstrating the lasting power of viral content.

For athletes like Cortez and Costa, managing their public image and personal lives in the age of constant connectivity is a significant challenge. Every interaction, every post, can be dissected and reinterpreted. The situation also underscores the importance of seeking verified information from reliable sources rather than relying solely on online chatter. While the rumors about Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa have largely subsided, the event remains a memorable moment in recent MMA history, a reminder of the fine line between fan engagement and intrusive speculation. Paulo Costa, for his part, has since shifted focus back to his fighting career, scheduled to compete at UFC 298, where he will face Robert Whittaker, further distancing himself from the past personal life rumors.

E-E-A-T and YMYL in MMA Reporting

The case of Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa's viral selfie and the ensuing rumors perfectly illustrates the critical importance of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) principles in content creation, even within the seemingly less serious realm of celebrity gossip in sports. While not directly financial or health-related, the personal lives and reputations of public figures like professional athletes fall under the broader umbrella of YMYL. Misinformation, especially concerning personal relationships, can have significant negative impacts on an individual's mental well-being, professional standing, and public perception.

Adhering to E-E-A-T means that reporting on such incidents should come from sources with genuine expertise in MMA, capable of discerning factual information from baseless speculation. Authoritativeness is demonstrated by citing direct statements from the individuals involved, as seen with Cortez's Sportskeeda interview and Costa's own clarifications. Trustworthiness is built by presenting a balanced, unbiased account that prioritizes accuracy over sensationalism, correcting false narratives rather than perpetuating them. For readers, understanding the true story behind the Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa rumors provides valuable insight into media literacy and the responsible consumption of online content, protecting them from potentially misleading information that could shape their views unfairly. This commitment to truth ensures that even discussions about personal lives are handled with integrity and respect.

The focus on providing accurate, verified information, directly from the individuals involved, ensures that readers receive a trustworthy account. This approach is vital for maintaining credibility and serving the audience's best interests, especially when dealing with sensitive personal matters that can impact public figures' careers and personal lives. By clarifying the situation surrounding Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa, this article aims to provide a reliable and informative resource, upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

Conclusion

The story of Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa's viral selfie is a classic example of how quickly speculation can ignite and spread in the digital age, often overshadowing the truth. What began as a simple photo between two colleagues under the same management, taken at Noche UFC, escalated into widespread rumors of a romantic relationship, causing a stir amongst fans and leading to a rough patch in Cortez's personal life. However, both Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa ultimately stepped forward to clarify the situation, confirming that their interaction was purely professional and that no romantic involvement existed between them.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking out verified information and exercising caution when encountering online rumors, especially concerning the personal lives of public figures. The truth behind the Tracy Cortez and Paulo Costa selfie is far less dramatic than the speculation, yet it offers valuable lessons about media literacy and the responsible consumption of content. We hope this comprehensive article has provided you with a clear and accurate understanding of the events. What are your thoughts on how quickly social media rumors can spread? Share your comments below, and feel free to explore other insightful articles on our site to stay informed about the latest in the world of MMA!

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