Ailin Perez is set to face Macy Chiasson at UFC Mexico, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Perez enters the bout as the betting favorite with opening odds at -185, while Chiasson is listed at +160. This matchup marks a pivotal contest between two skilled fighters in the women’s bantamweight division, with both athletes aiming to advance their standings within the UFC.
Detailed Fighter Profiles and Statistical Comparison
Ailin Perez, also known as Fiona Perez, holds a record of 12 wins and 2 losses, competing in the 135-pound weight class. The 31-year-old stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and is recognized as a switch fighter with a reach extending 66 inches. Her opponent, Macy Chiasson, is an orthodox fighter standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing in at 135 pounds. The 34-year-old boasts a professional record of 11-5 and has a 72-inch reach.
When it comes to striking metrics, Perez lands an average of 3.10 significant strikes per minute with a 54% accuracy rate, while Chiasson connects on 3.50 significant strikes per minute but with a lower accuracy of 46%. Perez’s defense enables her to absorb just 1.79 significant strikes per minute, blocking about 55% of strikes aimed at her. In contrast, Chiasson takes 2.86 significant strikes per minute and defends against 45% of incoming attacks.
In grappling, Perez demonstrates superior wrestling capabilities by executing takedowns 4.68 times per 15 minutes with a 46% success rate and defending against 66% of opponent takedown attempts. Chiasson’s takedown rate stands at 37% with a 72% defense rate against takedown attempts. On submissions, Chiasson attempts twice as many submissions per three rounds as Perez, at 0.4 versus 0.2, indicating a greater inclination towards submission maneuvers.
Recap of Recent Performances and Fight Dynamics
In her last fight, Perez defeated Karol Rosa via unanimous decision in the third round. During this bout, Rosa landed 120 of 182 total strikes, while Perez connected on 81 of 155 strikes. Both fighters maintained similar accuracy for significant strikes, with Rosa landing 47% and Perez 47% as well. Most of their significant strikes—92% for Rosa and 90% for Perez—were delivered from distance. Perez’s effective distance striking played a major role in her victory.
Macy Chiasson’s prior contest was a unanimous decision loss to Yana Santos. In that fight, Chiasson landed 54 of 118 significant strikes, a 45% rate, with 25 of 76 targeting the head. Santos connected on 65 of 124 significant strikes at 52%, landing a mix of strikes to both body and head. Both fighters landed 44% of their significant strikes from distance. Chiasson managed to land 91 of 158 total strikes attempted, showing activity but ultimately falling short on the scorecards.
Other Noteworthy Fights to Watch at UFC Mexico
Another compelling female bout features Sofia Montenegro against Ernesta Kareckaite. Montenegro, who has a 6-2 record and fights at 125 pounds, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall with a 67-inch reach and employs an orthodox style. Kareckaite measures 5 feet 9 inches with a 71-inch reach, weighs 125 pounds, and is also an orthodox fighter with a record of 6-1-1. Striking-wise, Montenegro lands 4.27 strikes per minute with 40% accuracy, while Kareckaite is more prolific, connecting on 7.38 strikes per minute with a 42% success rate. On the grappling front, Montenegro secures takedowns at a rate of 1.00 per 15 minutes, slightly higher than Kareckaite’s 0.67.
The male bantamweight showdown between Lone’er Kavanagh and Brandon Moreno is another highlight. Moreno, a 32-year-old with a record of 23-9-2, stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and has a 70-inch reach. Kavanagh is younger at 26 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a 67-inch wingspan and a record of 9-1-0. Moreno defends 64% of takedowns and successfully executes takedowns 44% of the time. Kavanagh shows strong defensive skills, blocking 88% of takedown attempts, and taking opponents down 50% of his attempts. In striking exchanges, Moreno absorbs 3.62 strikes per minute and lands 3.89, whereas Kavanagh connects on 4.29 per minute and takes 3.69 trades.
Expert Betting Insights and Match Predictions
Analyst Josh Schonwald has recommended backing Ailin Perez at the -185 odds for this matchup, signaling confidence in Perez’s overall skill set and recent form. Perez’s strong grappling, striking defense, and consistent accuracy make her a formidable opponent against Chiasson at UFC Mexico.
Additional Bouts on the UFC Mexico Fight Card
The card includes several intriguing matchups, featuring Erik Silva vs. Francis Marshall, Edgar Chairez vs. Felipe Bunes, Daniel Zellhuber vs. King Green, Cristian Quinonez vs. Kris Moutinho, Damian Pinas vs. Wes Schultz, Marlon Vera vs. David Martinez, Ryan Gandra vs. Jose Daniel Medina, Santiago Luna vs. Angel Pacheco, and others. Each fighter brings unique strengths to the octagon, heightening the excitement of this event in Mexico City.
Event Significance and Anticipated Outcomes
This UFC Mexico event is set to deliver an intense and volatile fight night, spotlighting rising stars and established fighters like Ailin Perez, Macy Chiasson, Brandon Moreno, and Sofia Montenegro. With Perez favored to dominate, her performance could solidify her status as a top contender in the bantamweight division, potentially influencing matchmaking and rankings in the months ahead. The diverse lineup of bouts ensures a chaotic yet thrilling atmosphere, appealing to fans eager for competitive clashes and dramatic finishes.
