Ailín Pérez Edges Norma Dumont at UFC Vegas 121, Extends Win Streak to Seven

Fight result

In the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos (also known as UFC Vegas 121), held Saturday, September 26, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Argentina's Ailín Pérez defeated Brazil's Norma Dumont by split decision, with all three judges scoring the women's bantamweight (135 lbs) bout 29-28 in Pérez's favor, according to UFCEspanol.com.

The win marked Pérez's seventh consecutive victory, giving her the second-best win streak in the history of the women's bantamweight division.

How the fight unfolded

In the first round, Dumont defended early takedown attempts and managed distance well, but Pérez intercepted a mid-level kick and took her down, controlling top position for the rest of the round. The second round was Dumont's best, as she landed a judo takedown and left crosses, while Pérez connected with a spinning strike late in the round. In the third round, Dumont took control at range with jabs, crosses and low kicks; late in the fight Pérez pursued a takedown and pinned Dumont against the cage, though the Brazilian stayed on her feet.

Context

Heading into the fight, Pérez was ranked fifth and Dumont fourth in the women's bantamweight division, giving the bout direct implications for title contention. Per rcdm.es, Pérez arrived on a five-fight winning streak that included victories over Macy Chiasson, Karol Rosa, Daria Zhelezniakova, Joselyne Edwards and Lucie Pudilova. Dumont, meanwhile, had lost her most recent fight to Joselyne Edwards in April, following previous wins over Ketlen Vieira, Irene Aldana, Germaine de Randamie and Chelsea Chandler.

Before the bout, Dumont's ESPN-listed record stood at 13-3, while Pérez's was 13-2. The card streamed live on Paramount+, with Pérez–Dumont serving as the night's featured semi-main event.