Cortney Casey (born 5 May 1987) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Casey made her amateur debut in 2012, losing a split decision to future UFC Strawweight Emily Kagan.
Casey made her professional debut in 2013 defeating Kelly Warren by rear naked choke.
After the loss Casey signed with the Middle Eastern promotion PXC before going on a three fight win streak, finishing all of her opponents.
[4] Casey next faced Seo Hee Ham at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal on November 28, 2015.
[5] Casey faced Cristina Stanciu at UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker on July 13, 2016.
A replay showed that Gadelha's shin appeared not to hit Casey's skull but caught her hair instead.
Casey was criticized for allegedly trying to play up the illegal head kick and possibly achieve a disqualification win.
Several experts questioned the findings [11][12] and in June 2017 she was exonerated by the UFC after follow up testing showed no evidence of doping.
[13] On June 29 the UFC issued a strongly worded statement requesting that "the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) immediately reverse its ruling and exonerate Cortney of any wrongdoing".
[41] However, the bout was postponed to July 9, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 39 due Shevchenko injured her knee in training.
[44] However, Casey withdrew from the event due to an undisclosed medical reason and was replaced by Gabriella Fernandes.
[45] On September 14, 2023, Casey had accepted a 4–month suspension by USADA after she reported herself in June 2023 for taking the prohibited substance BPC-157 to treat a medical condition.