The Ultimate Fighting Championship has booked a highly anticipated women's bantamweight matchup between Norma Dumont and Ailin Perez for its September 26 event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The fight was announced by ESPN Knockout's Gaston Reyno on social media, and Perez has since confirmed the bout on Instagram. The two fighters have been eyeing each other in the logjammed bantamweight division since 2024.
Perez has been calling for the match repeatedly, even referring to it as "the war of the asses" in a past interview with MMA Junkie. Dumont, on the other hand, has suggested that the matchup was previously offered to Perez but was turned down.
Dumont is coming off a decision loss to Joselyne Edwards in April, which snapped a considerable win streak. The Brazilian fighter has won matches at featherweight and picked up three straight victories at 135 pounds from 2024 to 2025.
Perez, meanwhile, is on the longest winning stretch of her professional career, with six consecutive victories leading up to this fight. All six wins have come at 135 pounds, and she technically sits in a tie for the second-longest win streak in women's 135-pound history.
Only Amanda Nunes has won more consecutive bouts in the division, with nine straight victories. Perez's winning streak has put her in a strong position in the bantamweight division, and a win over Dumont could potentially set her up for a title shot.
The matchup between Dumont and Perez is expected to be a high-stakes affair, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the division. The fight is not expected to be the main attraction for the September 26 event, but it is likely to be a closely watched bout by fans and pundits alike.
The UFC has not yet announced the full lineup for the September 26 event, but the addition of the Dumont-Perez matchup has already generated significant buzz. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the fight, which could have significant implications for the women's bantamweight division.
As the fight approaches, both Dumont and Perez will be looking to make a strong impression and move closer to a title shot. The "war of the asses" is set to kick off on September 26, and fans will be eagerly watching to see who comes out on top.
Source: Yahoo Sports