- UFC women's flyweight contender Tracy Cortez has been named a global ambassador for Stake, with the partnership beginning in June 2026.
- Cortez, currently ranked #8 in the UFC women's flyweight division with a 12-3 professional record, will join Stake's existing UFC ambassador roster that includes Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, Merab Dvalishvili, Caio Borralho, and Alexandre Pantoja.
- Cortez will represent the brand through global marketing campaigns, digital content, fan engagement initiatives, and promotional activations surrounding major UFC events.
- Cortez is scheduled to fight Wang Cong at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, marking her next appearance in the Octagon.
Stake has strengthened its presence in mixed martial arts by appointing UFC flyweight contender Tracy Cortez as its newest global ambassador. The deal was announced on June 29, 2026, and adds another high-profile combat sports name to an already deep roster.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Cortez’s MMA journey began at just 14 years of age. After a dominant run on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019, she went on a remarkable 11-fight winning streak before establishing herself as one of the top flyweights in the world.
Most recently, she fell to Erin Blanchfield via rear-naked choke submission at UFC 322 in November 2025 and is now gearing up for her bout against Wang Cong at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026.
This signing reflects a wider trend of major brands investing in women’s combat sports. Just as Ronda Rousey was named Global Brand Ambassador for Castrol, or Ilia Topuria became the first combat sports ambassador for Richard Mille, Stake is making a clear statement by aligning with a fighter whose influence runs well beyond fight night.
The ambassador agreement forms part of Stake’s wider sports sponsorship strategy, which spans mixed martial arts, football, and entertainment.
Stake’s wider ambassador program spans UFC fighters, football clubs, and entertainment figures, including Drake, Kun Agüero, Patrice Evra, and Frankie Dettori. Within the UFC, Stake has built partnerships with Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, Merab Dvalishvili, Alexandre Pantoja, Caio Borralho, and Valentina Shevchenko.
Takeaways
This deal says a lot more than just “new sponsor.” Stake has been quietly building one of the most recognizable ambassador programs in all of combat sports, and signing Tracy Cortez is a deliberate move, not a random add.
Stake’s UFC journey began in 2021 when Israel Adesanya became its first UFC brand ambassador. Since then, the brand has systematically signed champions and elite contenders. Cortez fits that mold, not just as a ranked fighter, but as a culturally resonant figure with a loyal, passionate fanbase.
What’s particularly interesting here is that Stake is making this bet before a title shot. They’re backing Cortez while she’s on the rise, not after the belt. That tells you they see brand value in her story and her digital presence, not just her win column.
Is Stake positioning Cortez as the face of women’s MMA for its global platform, and does that put title-run pressure on her going into UFC 329? With Stake already holding Alex Pereira and Max Holloway on its roster, how does signing a women’s flyweight contender change the brand’s demographic strategy?
