Ailín Pérez is an Argentine mixed martial artist competing in the UFC women’s bantamweight division. Known by the nickname “Fiona,” Pérez has built her UFC rise through wrestling pressure, top control and a long winning streak against experienced bantamweight opponents.
Originally from Zárate, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pérez began martial arts through kung fu and sanda before later adding Brazilian jiu-jitsu to prepare for MMA. Since joining the UFC, she has become one of Argentina’s most visible women’s fighters.
Ailín Pérez Fighter Snapshot
| Stats | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ailín Luciana Pérez |
| Nickname | Fiona |
| Born | October 5, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Zárate, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Reach | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Division | Bantamweight |
| MMA Record | 13-2-0 |
| Stance | Switch |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Team | The Goat Shed |
| Fighting Style | Kung Fu / Sanda |
| Fighting Out Of | Sunrise, Florida, United States |
Ailín Pérez Fighting Style in the UFC
Pérez fights with constant forward pressure and aggressive grappling. While her background began in kung fu and sanda, she later added Brazilian jiu-jitsu to transition fully into MMA.
Inside the cage, she mixes clinch work, takedowns and positional control with improving striking. Her wrestling pressure has become one of her biggest weapons in the UFC, especially during long exchanges against the fence. She also maintains a high pace over three rounds, which has helped her secure multiple decision victories against ranked opponents.
Although much of her recent success has come through control and grappling, Pérez has finishing ability as well. Several of her earlier wins came by knockout or submission, including stoppage victories in Samurai Fight House and Collision Fight Ultimate.
Who Is Ailin Perez? Career Background
Pérez turned professional in 2018 and quickly built momentum across the South American regional MMA scene. She captured bantamweight titles in both Collision Fight Ultimate and Samurai Fight House before eventually signing with the UFC.
Her UFC debut came in 2022 against Stephanie Egger at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Tuivasa. After losing that fight by submission, Pérez rebounded strongly and began climbing the bantamweight rankings with victories over Ashlee Evans-Smith, Lucie Pudilová, Joselyne Edwards, Darya Zheleznyakova, Karol Rosa and Macy Chiasson.
The win over Macy Chiasson in February 2026 extended her UFC winning streak to six fights and solidified her place among one of the ranked names in the division.
What Makes Ailín Pérez Different?
One of Pérez’s biggest strengths is her confidence and willingness to embrace attention. She has become one of the more talked-about personalities in women’s MMA due to both her performances and post-fight celebrations.
Beyond the spotlight, her statistical success inside the UFC has been impressive. Pérez holds one of the best takedown totals in UFC women’s bantamweight history and continues to rank among the division leaders in control time and strike defense.
She is also notable for balancing her fighting career with motherhood, often speaking openly about raising her son while competing professionally.
What’s Next for Ailin Perez?
With six consecutive UFC victories and a top-10 ranking, Pérez is now firmly in the bantamweight title conversation. Her recent wins over ranked opponents have pushed her closer to a potential title eliminator or championship opportunity.
As the women’s bantamweight division continues evolving, Ailín Pérez remains one of the most active and rapidly improving contenders on the roster.
