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Tracy Cortez once discussed the real story behind the viral selfie with Paulo Costa. The MMA world was set alight with wild speculations last year when Cortez was pictured alongside the former UFC middleweight title challenger.
However, the photo was entirely benign, yet many fans jumped to the conclusion that there was a romantic relationship between the flyweight star and Costa.
Check out the photo below:
During her appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani last September, Cortez dispelled the rumors and clarified the situation. She explained that she had traveled to Brazil for training with 'Borrachinha' and his team.
The photo in question was taken when she invited the team over for dinner to watch a UFC event. Upon discovering they shared a mutual associate in manager Tiki Ghosn, Costa suggested they take a picture together. Cortez said:
"You can just see it, and it’s like a quick [photo]... Two weeks later, I come back to the States, and then Paulo posts that photo. Right? It was just like, 'Happy Friday from Tracy and me,' literally, and I woke up the next morning, 'Oh my God.'"
The 30-year-old American elaborated that after the photo went viral, Costa and his fiancée, Tamara Alves, contacted her to acknowledge the buzz. They offered to clarify the rumors but ultimately decided to let the speculation run its course. Cortez added that she also found the situation amusing and allowed it to continue:
"I let it run, too. It is what it is now. There’s no going back. So I didn’t address it, I didn’t care, I said I’m going to run with it too. Have some fun, and have a good laugh. And that was it."
Check out Tracy Cortez's comments below (15:16):
'Borrachinha' later ensured to clear up any confusion, explaining that the photo was taken purely for their mutual friend.
Check out Paulo Costa's post below:
Tracy Cortez sheds hair to hit weight for UFC Denver fight with Rose Namajunas
Tracy Cortez stepped up to headline UFC Denver against Rose Namajunas with only two weeks' notice after Maycee Barber withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons.
However, to officially compete in the bout on Saturday, July 13, at the Ball Arena in Colorado, Cortez faced the rigorous process of weight cutting. She initially missed the mark, weighing in at 127 pounds on Friday.
Cortez, having to shed about half a pound to meet the 126-pound flyweight limit, opted to cut off a chunk of her hair. The bold move proved effective, as she officially weighed in at exactly 126 pounds. With teary eyes, she then posed for the cameras, holding the cut hair in her hand.
Check out Tracy Cortez's photo below:
