However, those four fights came over the span of two-and-a-half-years, and due to injuries, Cortez hasn’t fought since her decision victory over Melissa Gatto in May 2022. Now with a clean bill of health, Cortez is fully motivated and rejuvenated to chase after some lofty goals with her team at Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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“This year really fueled me and gave me that spark in my heart again,” she said. “I’ve seen the growth not just outside the cage, but in the cage. My coaches have seen the growth, and I’m really confident in my team. I don’t believe I would be the athlete I am without them.
“I do believe I have what it takes. Once they ingrained that in my brain, and I start seeing it, and I feel great, that’s what happened. After having my injuries and being laid off for so long and having that itch to come back, it was like, ‘OK, I’m gonna come back, and what? Just accept a fight? No, I’m going to come back, and I’m going to make a statement.’”
