Tracy Cortez wants to fight Alexa Grasso at the Sphere

LockerRoom Team

09 Jul 2024

Tracy Cortez is eyeing a showdown with women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso at UFC 306, set to take place at ‘The Sphere’ in Las Vegas on September 14, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day. Grasso, hailing from Mexico, shares cultural ties with Cortez, who is also of Mexican descent.

While reports hint at a potential trilogy bout between Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko for the event, Cortez has her sights set on a different outcome. Scheduled to face #6 ranked former champion Rose Namajunas on July 13, Cortez aims to secure a victory and position herself as a replacement for Shevchenko.

During a recent appearance on the ‘MMA Hour Show’ with Ariel Helwani, Cortez expressed her readiness to step in if Shevchenko declines the bout against Grasso. “I would say I would be next. And I heard that Valentina doesn’t want to fight Alexa at The Sphere,” Cortez remarked. “After this fight, I would love, whether it’s for the title or to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, I would love to fight Alexa. So we’ll see how July 13 goes and I’ll be game for that.”

ALSO READ | Last pic is fire: Rachael Ostovich reacts to new post from Tracy Cortez

While a potential matchup between Grasso and Cortez promises intrigue, the anticipation for a Grasso-Shevchenko trilogy remains substantial. Grasso famously upset Shevchenko at UFC 285, and their controversial rematch last September ended in a draw, fueling speculation about a decisive third encounter.