Ailin Perez pushed to face Amanda Nunes immediately after Kayla Harrison withdrew from UFC 324, though that match-up never materialized. Now preparing to compete against Macy Chiasson at UFC Mexico City this Saturday, Perez feels that the major contenders in the women’s bantamweight division have started to recognize her presence, believing they are avoiding her name and challenge.
Standing Out in a Quiet Bantamweight Division
The women’s bantamweight category has faced criticism recently for lacking star power and excitement, yet Perez distinguishes herself through her bold personality and unique presence. Known for celebrating her wins with twerking and vibrant social media engagement, she offers fans something different compared to many of her peers.
Regarding the division’s general lack of excitement, Perez commented,
“They are scared of me, they are trying to run, and they never mention my name, so…”
during an exclusive talk with Cageside Press.
She also noted,
“It’s hard to brag in a weight class where all of them are boring, and they don’t want to fight. Always with my marketing, I try to push hard and do my best so they [the fans] can see me. The publicity and stuff that [I do] is what caught attention from the fans, not just the sport and the performance.”
Maintaining Momentum with a Five-Fight Win Streak
Ranked among the top 10 in her division, Perez has compiled five consecutive victories, demonstrating skill and determination inside the octagon. Despite her confident marketing, she insists that opponents underestimate her capabilities, which could give her an edge.
About her opponents’ misconceptions, Perez said,
“They think I’m just a funny fighter or I’m doing dumb things, but they don’t know really how hard I’m training and my actual strength. It’s good for me if they think I’m joking out here.”
Claiming a Title Shot Over Norma Dumont
Following Kayla Harrison’s absence and Amanda Nunes remaining at the top, Norma Dumont has been mentioned as a likely contender for the bantamweight title. Perez has openly challenged this notion, accusing Dumont of avoiding a fight against her and questioning Dumont’s appeal to fans.
She firmly stated,
“It should be me, Ailin Perez, because Norma avoided fighting me. And also she’s boring. I should be the first one to fight for the title. I’m ready to fight even this weekend if necessary.”
The proposed bout between Perez and Dumont has even been nicknamed The Battle of the Butts due to their distinctive celebration styles. When asked about the fight, Perez joked,
“I’m down to kick her ass and after, move my ass too,”
showing her playful confidence.
Facing Macy Chiasson Confidently at UFC Mexico City
Looking ahead to her contest with Macy Chiasson, who won The Ultimate Fighter 28, Perez emphasized that her opponent should be the one feeling apprehensive. She stressed her preparedness across all fighting disciplines and her intention to continue building momentum.
On this upcoming match, Perez stated,
“Macy should be worried about me. I’m not worried about her for real, I’m just worried about my training, how I’m doing in my performance. I’m ready for any area; I can strike, I can box, I can kick, I can wrestle. So better be ready, Macy, because I’m ready for any area of the fight. And of course I’m going to finish her.”
Event Details and Final Thoughts
The fight is scheduled for February 28, 2026, at the CDMX Arena in Mexico City, Mexico, where Perez hopes to showcase her capabilities and alter the landscape of the UFC women’s bantamweight division. Her outspoken nature and winning streak may place her as a significant contender to watch, potentially shaking up the division’s current hierarchy and fan interest.
