Ailín Luciana Pérez, born on October 5, 1994, is an Argentinian professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the women's Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Pérez's journey in combat sports began at a young age, leading her to the world's premier MMA organization.
Ailin Perez during weigh-ins at UFC Paris
Early Life and Training
Pérez started in martial arts at the age of 11 in Zárate, with kung fu and sanda, and at the age of 20 she decided to move to Buenos Aires and do some Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ), to get more into MMA. She began training for fighting at the age of 12, initially focusing on Kung Fu and Sanda.
Her training regimen involves two or three sessions a day with different gyms and trainers, each specializing in various disciplines. This comprehensive approach has helped her develop a well-rounded skill set for MMA competition.
Titles and Accomplishments
Pérez won the women's bantamweight title of the Brazilian company Samurai Fight House in August 2021 by defeating Alessandra Tainara with a head kick. Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?
UFC Debut and Career
Pérez debuted in the UFC on September 3, 2022. It was scheduled for her to face Zarah Fairn Dos Santos at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Tuivasa, but Fairn was replaced by Stephanie Egger. Bitter noted that Egger dominated the grappling exchange, submitting Perez.
Notable Fights
- UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis (July 15, 2023): Pérez set a women's bantamweight takedown record in her win over Ashlee Evans-Smith.
- UFC Vegas 82 (November 18, 2023): Pérez secured a decision win against Lucie Pudilova.
- UFC 302 (June 1, 2024): Pérez won by decision against Joselyne Edwards.
- UFC Fight Night 243 (September 28, 2024): Pérez faced Darya Zheleznyakova. At the weigh-ins, Pérez weighed in at 136.5 pounds, half a pound over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. She appeared weak and trembling due to the effects of weight-cutting, despite still missing her target weight. Despite the difficult weigh-in, the fight went better for Perez. Late in the first round, in which Perez landed seven significant strikes and two takedowns, she got Zheleznyakova to tap out with an arm triangle.
- UFC 311 (January 18, 2025): Ailin Perez Earns Fifth Straight Win, Beats Karol Rosa.
UFC's Most Memorable Moments From 2025 😮
Controversies
On September 28, 2024, during the UFC Fight Night 243 event in Paris, Pérez was criticized for celebrating her victory against Darya Zheleznyakova by twerking in her opponent's face after submitting her in the first round. The action was deemed disrespectful by figures such as Ariel Helwani. Pérez, unapologetically, justified her behavior by claiming that Zhelezniakova had made offensive comments before the fight.
At least one fighter also enjoyed seeing Perez struggle with her weight, as Tracy Cortez mocked her on X after Perez criticized Cortez for cutting her hair to make weight in July.
Fighting Style and Stats
Pérez landed seven significant strikes and two takedowns in her fight against Darya Zheleznyakova. She also tied (Jéssica Andrade) for most takedowns landed in a UFC Women's bout (10) (vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith). She also holds the record for most takedowns landed in a UFC Women's Bantamweight bout (10) (vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith).
Here's a summary of some of Ailin Perez's UFC stats:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Most takedowns landed in a UFC Women's bout | 10 (tied with Jéssica Andrade) |
| Most takedowns landed in a UFC Women's Bantamweight bout | 10 |
Ailin Perez
Personal Life
What was your job before you started fighting? Do you have any heroes? My dad because he always took care of me when I needed him. What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is a dream come true.