Alexander Salvador Perez Bio
Alexander Salvador Perez is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on March 21, 1992, in Hanford, California, Perez has been active in MMA since 2011 and is ranked #11 in the UFC flyweight rankings as of November 25, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Salvador Perez was born in Hanford, California, and is of Mexican descent. He grew up with eight siblings and began wrestling in the sixth grade alongside two of his brothers, Silverio Esparza and Julian Perez. Perez wrestled for West Hills College Lemoore, where he became a regional champion and earned All-American honors during his sophomore year.
After completing high school in Lemoore, California, Perez used his wrestling experience to help friends train for MMA fights, which laid the foundation for his own professional fighting career. He currently resides in Lemoore, California, and continues to train with Team Oyama.
Path to MMA
Perez transitioned from amateur wrestling to mixed martial arts, making his professional debut on May 6, 2011. His wrestling background provided a strong base for his MMA career, allowing him to develop skills in striking and submissions. Early in his career, he fought exclusively in the United States, compiling a record of 16 wins and 4 losses before earning a chance to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series.
His victory over Kevin Gray on the Contender Series secured him a contract with the UFC, marking his transition to the highest level of mixed martial arts competition. This opportunity allowed Perez to showcase his skills on a global stage and compete against top-ranked flyweight fighters.
Alexander Salvador Perez Career
Early Career (2011–2017)
Perez began his professional MMA career in 2011, debuting at TPF 9 where he knocked out Jesus Castro in the first round. Over the next several years, he fought primarily in regional promotions across the United States, amassing a record of 16-4. His early career was marked by a mix of knockout and submission victories, demonstrating his versatility as a fighter.
During this period, Perez honed his skills and gained valuable experience that prepared him for the UFC. His wrestling background was a key component of his fighting style, complemented by developing striking and submission techniques.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Perez made his UFC debut on December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega against Carlos John de Tomas, winning by submission in the second round. He quickly established himself as a promising contender in the flyweight division with a series of wins, including a knockout victory over Jose Torres at UFC 227 and a submission win against Jordan Espinosa at UFC Fight Night 166, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
Despite setbacks such as losses to Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo, Perez continued to compete at a high level. He faced challenges with weight management and fight cancellations but remained a consistent presence in the division. Notable recent fights include a knockout win over Matheus Nicolau in April 2024, which also earned him a Performance of the Night award.
Team Oyama Era (Present)
Currently training with Team Oyama, Perez benefits from a supportive environment that emphasizes skill development and fight preparation. His recent performances reflect continued growth and resilience, highlighted by his knockout victory in 2024. Perez’s commitment to his team and training regimen positions him for future success in the UFC flyweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Alexander Perez’s fighting style is grounded in his strong wrestling base, which he uses effectively to control opponents and dictate the pace of fights. He combines this with evolving striking and submission skills, making him a well-rounded competitor. His ability to adapt mid-fight and execute submissions from various positions has earned him multiple Performance of the Night honors.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Perez’s career include his UFC debut submission win, multiple Performance of the Night awards, and a significant knockout victory over Matheus Nicolau. Despite facing challenges such as fight cancellations and weight issues, Perez has demonstrated perseverance and skill at the highest level of MMA competition.
Alexander Salvador Perez Career Wins
Alexander Perez has accumulated a total of 25 professional wins out of 35 fights. His victories include 2 by knockout, 6 by submission, and 2 by decision, showcasing his versatility and finishing ability across different fight scenarios.
UFC Highlights
Within the UFC, Perez has secured notable wins including his debut submission victory and a knockout against Jose Torres. His recent knockout of Matheus Nicolau in 2024 stands out as a highlight, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. Perez’s UFC career reflects a competitive presence in the flyweight division with multiple finishes and key performances.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Perez compiled a strong record of 16-4 in regional promotions across the United States. His early career featured a mix of knockouts and submissions, setting the stage for his advancement to the premier MMA organization.
Alexander Salvador Perez Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Alexander Perez comes from a large family of Mexican descent with eight siblings. He began wrestling alongside his brothers, which played a significant role in his athletic development and introduction to combat sports.
Personal Life
Perez is a father to a son born in 2021. He balances his professional fighting career with his family life while residing in Lemoore, California.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Alexander Perez continued to compete actively in the UFC flyweight division. He faced challenges including fight cancellations and a loss via submission in November 2025. Despite setbacks, Perez remains a ranked contender and is focused on regaining momentum with his team, Team Oyama. His outlook includes aiming for improved consistency and climbing the flyweight rankings in upcoming bouts.