Tracy Cortez Aims to Bounce Back at UFC 317 After Tough Loss

Tracy Cortez, the gritty women’s flyweight contender, is gearing up for a crucial comeback fight at UFC 317 this Saturday in Las Vegas. The 31-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona, will meet Brazil’s Viviane Araújo in a pivotal match to regain her footing in the stacked 125-pound division.

Cortez holds an impressive 11–2 record, entering her latest bout with a blend of wrestling strength and developing striking skills. Her UFC journey is marked by a disciplined approach—working the takedowns, wrestling on top, and controlling the pace inside the Octagon.

Her first defeat under the UFC banner came in July 2024, when she dropped a unanimous decision to former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. That fight, which served as Cortez’s debut as a main-event fighter, held high stakes—and costs her an 11-fight winning streak. More recently, she faced enduring health issues that led to a postponed bout with Miranda Maverick in December.

Now, Tracy Cortez returns during International Fight Week at UFC 317, scheduled for June 28 at T-Mobile Arena. Her opponent, Viviane Araújo (13–6), is equally dangerous, coming off a solid win at UFC 309. The matchup pits Cortez’s wrestling-based style against Araújo’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu background in what promises to be a tactical showdown.

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Cortez’s strengths include relentless pace, strong grappling control, and the mental toughness she’s known for. After reshaping her mindset post-defeat, she’s focused on winning decisively—controlling takedowns, punishing ground-and-pound, and showcasing an improved stand-up game.

Fans have taken notice of her disciplined training at Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, Arizona—the same camp that produced champions like Henry Cejudo. The fight this weekend could be a turning point for Cortez. A win would likely catapult her back into the top 10 of women’s flyweights, potentially setting the stage for a shot at title contention in her next bout.

For Tracy Cortez, UFC 317 isn’t just another appointment with the cage—it’s a test of resilience, adaptation, and her promise as a flyweight star.