Following a challenging 2025, Macy Chiasson is preparing for what could be the defining year of her UFC career, targeting a breakthrough in the women’s bantamweight division. The Dallas-born fighter is set to face Argentina’s Ailin Perez on February 28, 2026, at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh in Mexico City, Mexico, bringing with her a rigorous and intense training regimen focused on peak physical form and endurance.
Intensive Marathon-Style Training to Conquer Altitude and Endurance
Chiasson has been investing unprecedented effort into her conditioning, emphasizing marathon-level running and VO2 max sprints to adapt to fighting at high elevation. She shared,
“I’m so excited for this fight. I’ve been training really hard. This is the hardest I’ve trained in my entire UFC career… marathon training, VO2 max sprint work, getting ready for elevation. I’ve been out here for two weeks acclimating to the altitude, and man, I am just so pumped to get in there.”
This preparation includes 30 to 40 miles of running weekly, mixing long-distance endurance with hill sprints and interval training, all designed to maximize her stamina inside the Octagon.
Balancing Motherhood and Professional Fighting Demands
The last year presented major personal and professional hurdles for Chiasson, who experienced two consecutive losses and welcomed her first child. She explained the difficulty of combining motherhood with elite athletic demands:
“Last year was a tough year, man. I had two really tough fights… I had my first baby last year. We were going through maternity leave, and I was in fight camps during that whole time, not sleeping, not being able to recover appropriately. Great stressors, but also, as an athlete, it’s really hard… Putting in that work, having a kid, having your first baby, trying to figure out motherhood, it’s just, it’s a lot (and) takes away from the sport.”
Now, with her baby daughter eight months old and a structured sleep and recovery routine in place, Chiasson feels revitalized.
“Recovery has been awesome. Training has been amazing, and I’m just really ready to go out there and show people what I’m really capable of,”
she added.
Facing an In-Form Opponent and Sharpening Tactical Edge
Chiasson is well aware of the challenge Ailin Perez presents; the Argentine fighter arrives with a five-fight winning streak and strong wrestling skills. To counteract this, Chiasson has developed a strategy centered on leveraging her 72.5-inch reach effectively to maintain distance and frustrate Perez’s wrestling tactics.
She stated,
“I’ve been fighting probably about 60 percent of my capacity. I have a 72.5-inch reach, and I’m looking to really utilize my length… This girl I’m fighting, she’s on a five-fight win streak. She’s really good, great wrestling. My camp is with all OSU wrestlers and guys that have trained with Khabib and from AKA (American Kickboxing Academy). But for me, the biggest aspect is going to be that length.”
Chiasson is clearly confident in the game plan crafted by her team and is eager to demonstrate her improvements.
“I’m really, really excited to showcase what I’ve been working on, as far as staying long… Our game plan is fantastic. I’m so excited to get in there and show it.”
Handling Pre-Fight Mind Games with Cool Confidence
Perez has engaged in psychological tactics ahead of their fight, but Chiasson embraces this as part of the sport’s dynamic, refusing to be rattled.
“Yeah, she’s been trying to get to me a little bit. But I’ve been in this game long enough. I know the bullshit, and it’s like, if that’s what she needs in order to fight me, then so be it.”
She added with humor and firmness,
“The last girl that talked shit got her forehead split open… There’s nothing wrong with that. At the end of the day, we’re all doing the same thing.”
Describing a playful exchange between them, Chiasson recalled,
“She posted something saying like, ‘No, me gusta Macy Chiasson,’ and right after she posted that, I walked in the locker room, and she was in there, and she looked at me, and she said, ‘Oh, hi!’ And I just blew her a little kiss. Like, what kind of game are we playing, you know? But it’s cool, man. I kind of enjoy it a little bit. But also, I’m not letting it get to me. I’m here on a mission. I’m here to do some work, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Implications of Victory and Division Prospects
Currently ranked just below Perez in the UFC women’s bantamweight standings, Chiasson knows a win would not only move her ahead but also reinsert her into title contention amidst some of the division’s most elite fighters. She expressed enthusiasm for possible future matchups with top competitors, highlighting a desire for redemption against Irene Aldana, who defeated her via a liver up-kick in 2022.
Chiasson stated,
“I think it just puts me back in that mix. There’s a lot of amazing women in front of me that I would love to rematch and fight… I think I would love to get the Aldana fight back, because that was such an anomaly, man. It was such a close fight, and then to get up-kicks like I’m fighting with my little brother in the living room. Man, that liver shot, it was so crazy. I think I would love to have a rematch and get that back, maybe even here in Mexico City, because I love Mexico City. So that would be cool. That’d be ideal, you know? And of course, any of the top five women.”
She also acknowledged the challenges other fighters face in the division, saying,
“God bless Kayla (Harrison) and her injuries… And it’s also great to see Amanda (Nunes) coming back. She’s awesome. She’s one of my idols.”
Confidence in Execution for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh
Chiasson believes her diverse training and measured approach will disrupt Perez’s usual wrestling-focused style.
“I really see myself frustrating this girl, because her M.O. is to come in and wrestle. And I really see her being frustrated with some of the lengthy stuff we’re going to be doing.”
Maintaining aggression without sacrificing strategy is crucial:
“You’re still going to see an aggressive Macy, but very calculated. So, I’m not giving too much away, but I’m excited.”
Fans can witness Chiasson’s performance live at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on February 28, 2026. The preliminaries begin at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT, followed by the main card via Paramount+ at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, spotlighting this highly anticipated clash in the women’s bantamweight ranks.
