Brian Ortega Opens Up About Past Relationship with Tracy Cortez
Brian Ortega has broken his silence regarding his past relationship with fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez, describing it as toxic and admitting he recognized early on that it wouldn’t work. Speaking on an episode of Love & War With Dominick Cruz, Ortega reflected on the relationship, saying he felt pressured to stay due to ego and fear of public judgment, despite knowing within months that it was not right for him.
Ortega explained that he had recently left behind long-term coaches and relationships when he met Cortez, initially seeing her as a chance to start fresh. He noted that others began labeling them a “power couple,” which added external pressure. Shortly after the relationship began, Ortega said he realized he had made a mistake, telling Cruz, “Damn, I f*cked up.”
Despite this realization, Ortega said he remained in the relationship as he had already distanced himself from his family and children, and feared being laughed at if he ended things so soon. “I was like, ‘Damn, I already know if I dump her right now, everyone’s going to laugh at me.’ So it was the ego again. I was like, No, I don’t let people laugh at me. So I’m going to set up with all this craziness,” he said.
He added that he knew within four months the relationship wouldn’t work but stayed due to pride and concern over public perception. Ortega described the dynamic as emotionally taxing, saying he slowly began to recognize unhealthy patterns in how both he and Cortez interacted, calling it “a different kind of game.”
Ortega and Cortez dated for approximately two years before splitting in 2023. Since their breakup, both fighters have continued their UFC careers, with Ortega competing in the featherweight division and Cortez in the flyweight division.
The former UFC title challenger’s candid remarks mark the first time he has publicly discussed the relationship in detail, offering insight into the personal challenges fighters face outside the octagon.