Ailín Luciana Pérez Bio
Ailín Luciana Pérez (born October 5, 1994) is an Argentinian professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by her ring name Fiona, she has established herself as a top contender, ranked #8 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings as of October 2025. Pérez began her martial arts journey at a young age and turned professional in 2018, quickly making an impact in her division.
Early Life and Background
Ailín Luciana Pérez was born in Zárate, Buenos Aires, Argentina. She started practicing martial arts at the age of 11, initially focusing on kung fu and sanda. Her early training in these disciplines laid a strong foundation for her future in mixed martial arts. At age 20, she moved to Buenos Aires to deepen her skills by training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a key component of her MMA development.
Her move to Buenos Aires marked a significant step in her career, allowing her to train with more experienced fighters and coaches. This transition helped Pérez refine her grappling and submission techniques, preparing her for the professional ranks. Her dedication to martial arts from a young age reflects her commitment and passion for the sport.
Path to MMA
Pérez’s early exposure to kung fu and sanda provided her with striking skills, while her later training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu enhanced her ground game. This combination of skills made her a well-rounded fighter as she transitioned into mixed martial arts. She turned professional in 2018, marking the beginning of her competitive MMA career.
Her early professional years included competing in regional promotions where she gained valuable experience and showcased her striking and submission abilities. These formative years were crucial for building her confidence and reputation, eventually leading to opportunities on larger stages such as the UFC.
Ailín Luciana Pérez Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Pérez began her professional MMA career in 2018. One of her notable early achievements was winning the women’s bantamweight title of the Brazilian promotion Samurai Fight House in August 2021 by defeating Alessandra Tainara with a head kick. This victory highlighted her striking prowess and ability to finish fights decisively.
However, her reign as champion was short-lived. In November 2021, she lost the title to Tamires Vidal due to an illegal knee during the bout. Despite this setback, Pérez continued to develop her skills and remained a prominent figure in the bantamweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Pérez made her UFC debut on September 3, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Tuivasa. Originally scheduled to face Zarah Fairn Dos Santos, she instead fought Stephanie Egger and lost by rear-naked choke submission in the second round. This debut provided valuable experience at the highest level of competition.
She rebounded with a series of wins, including unanimous decision victories over Ashlee Evans-Smith in July 2023, Lucie Pudilová in November 2023, and Joselyne Edwards in June 2024. Her fight against Edwards was notable due to a prior altercation during training, adding intensity to their matchup.
In September 2024, Pérez faced Darya Zheleznyakova at UFC Fight Night 243. Despite missing weight and appearing visibly affected by the weight cut, she secured a first-round arm-triangle choke submission victory. This win demonstrated her resilience and submission skills under pressure. In January 2025, she defeated Karol Rosa by unanimous decision at UFC 311, further solidifying her position in the division.
The Goat Shed Era (2022–Present)
Pérez trains with The Goat Shed team in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This partnership has been instrumental in her growth as a fighter, providing high-level coaching and support. Her performances under this team have shown improvements in strategy, conditioning, and fight IQ.
Her current form reflects a fighter gaining momentum, with multiple wins in the UFC and a growing reputation for toughness and technical skill. The team’s guidance continues to play a key role in her ongoing development and success.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Pérez combines striking skills from her early kung fu and sanda training with Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise, making her a versatile and dangerous competitor. She is known for her effective striking, submission ability, and endurance. Her strategic approach allows her to adapt to different opponents and capitalize on their weaknesses.
Notable Events and Milestones
A significant moment in Pérez’s career was her controversial celebration after submitting Darya Zheleznyakova in 2024, which drew criticism but also highlighted her confident and unapologetic personality. Additionally, her rapid rise to the top 10 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings marks a milestone in her professional journey.
Ailín Luciana Pérez Career Wins
As of 2025, Ailín Luciana Pérez holds a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses. Her victories include 4 by knockout, 1 by submission, 6 by decision, and 1 by disqualification. These wins span regional promotions and the UFC, showcasing her ability to finish fights and compete at a high level.
UFC Highlights
Pérez’s UFC career features several unanimous decision wins and a notable submission victory against Darya Zheleznyakova. Her first UFC win came against Ashlee Evans-Smith in 2023, marking a turning point after her debut loss. Her most recent win against Karol Rosa in early 2025 further demonstrates her consistency and skill in the octagon.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Pérez captured the Samurai Fight House bantamweight title, a highlight of her early career. Her ability to win by knockout and submission in various promotions reflects her well-rounded fighting capabilities.
Ailín Luciana Pérez Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Pérez is a single mother residing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has a son born in 2016. Balancing motherhood and a professional fighting career, she serves as an example of dedication and resilience both inside and outside the cage.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Pérez continued to build momentum with key victories, including a unanimous decision win over Karol Rosa at UFC 311. Her performances this season have reinforced her status as a top contender in the bantamweight division. Despite challenges such as weight cutting issues, she has shown determination and skill, positioning herself for potential title contention.
Her relationship with The Goat Shed team remains strong, providing the support necessary to compete at the highest level. The outlook for Pérez in 2025 is promising, with expectations for continued growth and success in the UFC.
