Tracy Cortez was all set to compete this past Saturday after making weight at UFC on ESPN 42 without issue – until she suddenly was removed.
For Cortez, the distinction is important: She was removed from her women’s flyweight bout with Amanda Ribas. She didn’t withdraw.
Cortez made that clear in an Instagram post on Monday. What she remained coy about was the specific nature of the “medical issue” – how the UFC classified it in a statement – that forced her out of action.
“First & foremost I want to thank every single one of you that sent me sweet, heartfelt messages,” Cortez wrote. “Honestly, means the world to me. It’s so easy to be negative & think the worst in a situation like mine this weekend & I’m just grateful to have fans that are so supporting! So, thank you!
“With that being said, I, myself did NOT pull out of my fight this past weekend. I was pulled by the (Florida) state commission & doctors. I did talk to my opponent & I wanna thank Amanda for being so understanding & respectful of the situation. I worked extremely hard for this fight & was in disbelief myself when (doctors) told me I wasn’t cleared. This is a private matter & will update you all when the time is right. I ask to (please) respect my privacy & to those who support, my day 1’s, know that I’ll be back.”
Despite her removal, Cortez (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) still attended UFC on ESPN 42 at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. She was photographed cageside and appeared in good spirits with Ribas.
Cortez, 28, entered the UFC in 2019 after earning a contract with a win on Dana White’s Contender Series. Overall, she’s won 10 fights in a row, including her first four in the UFC.
Cortez most recently won a unanimous decision against Melissa Gatto this past May at UFC 274.