UFC veteran Brian Ortega has publicly responded to a social media trend that involved him indirectly, telling followers to stop tagging him in a flood of images tied to fellow UFC fighters Alex Pereira and Tracy Cortez. What began as a viral exchange between two fighters quickly became a talking point online, and Ortega found himself fielding repeated screenshots and clips that kept showing up in his mentions and direct messages.

The images and brief clips that spread through MMA fan communities showed a moment between Pereira and Cortez that many followers had shared widely. Ortega, a longtime featherweight contender and former title challenger, was previously in a relationship with Cortez. That history, combined with the recent circulation of the images, prompted fans — some playful, some provocative — to tag Ortega repeatedly, often with commentary attached.

Fans’ reactions ranged from light-hearted jesting to more pointed attempts at getting a rise out of Ortega. Rather than ignoring the digital chatter, he chose to address the situation directly. Ortega’s response to the barrage of posts was simple and to the point, and he used his social media presence to communicate it clearly.

In a short but pointed message to his followers, Ortega said: “Stop sending me photos of Alex Pereira kissing UFC flyweight Tracy Cortez.” X (formerly Twitter)
Those exact words were shared in his social media captions as a way of telling fans to rein in the viral sharing and refrain from trying to draw him into the narrative.

Ortega’s pairing with Cortez had been public in the past, and their relationship was known among fight circles. That context made the viral moment resonate strongly with MMA fan bases, who are accustomed to interpreting fighters’ personal lives alongside their professional careers. But Ortega’s response underscored how quickly online content can escalate into something entirely removed from its original context — and how it can become a distraction.

The fighter, known for his detailed grappling and fiery competitive spirit inside the Octagon, did not frame his message as humor or sarcasm. Instead, he presented a clear preference for fans to stop circulating images and mentions tied to the personal lives of athletes, especially when those mentions are unwelcome or disruptive. His direct instruction to fans reflects a broader tension between public visibility and personal boundaries in the social media age, particularly for high-profile athletes.

Ortega is scheduled to return to the Octagon at UFC 326 in Las Vegas, where he is expected to face Renato Moicano. That bout represents a significant opportunity for Ortega in a division filled with elite talent, and his focus remains on preparation for competition rather than online chatter. Despite the peripheral noise generated by social media, his training regimen and fight camp have proceeded on schedule.

The moment involving Pereira and Cortez occurred outside of any official fight environment, which added to its viral nature. As images spread, fans on various platforms debated everything from the fighters’ personal relationships to hypothetical emotional reactions. Some commenters speculated playfully about potential drama, while others simply reposted the content with minimal commentary.

Neither Alex Pereira nor Tracy Cortez directly commented on Ortega’s message. Both fighters have high-profile careers of their own, and while personal updates occasionally become part of the public conversation, they have generally kept the focus on their professional achievements. Pereira, a celebrated light heavyweight champion with crossover appeal, and Cortez, a ranked flyweight contender, both command substantial followings as athletes first and foremost.

Ortega’s public reply highlights the challenges that come with being a recognizable figure in a sport driven by passionate fans, intense competition, and a sprawling digital landscape where moments can be amplified without context. As social media continues to blur the lines between fighters’ personal and professional lives, athletes find themselves navigating not just opponents inside the cage but also the perceptions and narratives created outside it.

The UFC community’s reaction to Ortega’s request has been mixed. Some fans praised him for setting a boundary and asking for a shift away from gossip or provocation. Others continued to share images and commentary, either in jest or dismissively, demonstrating how quickly online trends can persist even after an individual asks for them to stop.

Beyond the immediate situation, Ortega’s message serves as a reminder that fighters are subject to the same pressures as any other public figure when it comes to social media intrusion. Even former relationships, past interactions, and off-hand moments can take on a life of their own once they are shared widely online. Ortega’s appeal to fans — expressed in those plain words — reflects his desire to keep the conversation focused where he intends it: on competition, preparation, and the upcoming challenges inside the Octagon.

As fight night approaches, Ortega will likely keep his attention on training, strategy, and the task ahead. But in an era where every moment can be captured, interpreted, and redistributed instantly, he also wants to make it clear where his boundaries lie when it comes to the noise that can surround fighters off the canvas and outside the cage.