Argentine mixed martial arts fighter Ailín Pérez is set to make her return to the UFC octagon this weekend, facing Brazil’s Norma Dumont in a bantamweight co-main event. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for Sunday, 27th September, at 02:00 Spanish time, taking place in Las Vegas as part of UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos, also known as UFC Vegas 121, rcdm.es reports.

Pérez’s Resurgent Form and Title Ambitions

This fight marks Pérez’s second appearance in the UFC in 2026, following a recovery from an injury sustained during her last victory against Macy Chiasson in February of the same year. Pérez approaches this challenge in strong form, boasting six consecutive victories within the UFC, which has positioned her among the top four in her division, according to TN. She has openly expressed her aspiration to contend for the championship belt in the near future.

Speaking to TN ahead of the fight, Pérez conveyed her enthusiasm: "I feel very happy, I feel that I have arrived at my best moment for this very important fight." She detailed her team’s early arrival in Las Vegas to adapt to the climate and fine-tune their preparations.

Mental Fortitude and Personal Drive

Pérez acknowledged the public scrutiny she has faced since joining the UFC in 2022, stating that criticism from various nationalities served as a significant motivation. "I love competitiveness, I love challenges, I love getting out of my comfort zone, working hard," she told TN, adding her desire to "shut everyone up" with a win.

Beyond physical training, Pérez places a strong emphasis on mental preparation. She works with a psychologist and maintains a close bond with her family, including her son Ades, who, she proudly shared, considers her a "legend." Pérez stated, "I feel like I’ve already won, I’m already historic, but I want more. I’m going for my belt, and my son will always remember me as ‘my mum is a legend, my mum is a champion, my mum always wins’."

The Opponent: Norma Dumont

Norma Dumont, 35, enters the fight with an ESPN record of 13 wins and 3 losses from 13 professional bouts, including 12 UFC fights since 2020. Dumont’s most recent outing, in April 2026, resulted in a unanimous decision loss to Joselyne Edwards. Before that, she had secured victories against notable opponents such as Ketlen Vieira and Irene Aldana, rcdm.es confirms.

Commenting on her Brazilian opponent, Pérez remarked: "I feel like we have almost the same experience. She may have more fights in the UFC, but she also has more losses." She conveyed a calm approach to her strategy against Dumont, asserting that she has faced "more dangerous fighters" previously, citing Macy Chiasson, a former TUF champion.

FAQ

• Q: When is Ailín Pérez’s next UFC fight?
  A: Ailín Pérez is scheduled to fight on Sunday, 27th September, at 02:00 Spanish time, in Las Vegas.
• Q: Who is Ailín Pérez fighting in her UFC return?
  A: She is facing Norma Dumont of Brazil in a bantamweight clash.
• Q: What is Ailín Pérez’s recent record in the UFC?
  A: Ailín Pérez enters this fight with a record of six consecutive victories in the UFC.
• Q: What is Ailín Pérez’s motivation for this fight?
  A: Pérez is motivated by past criticism, the desire to win the championship belt, and the approval of her family, particularly her son, who calls her a "legend."