Ailin Perez’s weight cut challenges at UFC Paris on Saturday seemed to have minimal impact on her in-ring performance, as she delivered a dominant victory despite a difficult weigh-in.
On Friday, Perez experienced a troubling weigh-in, where she was seen shaking and crying after missing weight by half a pound.
Competing in the bantamweight division, she stepped onto the scale at 136.5 pounds, just over the 136-pound limit. Her distress was evident as she struggled to flex her biceps and raised her hands in despair.
Despite her emotional state during the weigh-in, Perez managed to turn things around in the octagon.
Facing Darya Zheleznyakova, Perez quickly took control of the fight, securing a first-round victory through a head-and-arm choke submission. Her performance left no doubt about her dominance in the cage.
After sealing the win, Perez celebrated in her usual flamboyant style. Known for her post-fight twerking, she took it a step further this time by moving her rear end close to her opponent’s face, adding a provocative touch to her celebration.
Zheleznyakova, however, chose not to engage with the taunt and quietly returned to her corner.
Perez’s behaviour in the octagon didn’t stop there. As Zheleznyakova got up, Perez repositioned herself to emphasise her victory further, adding an extra insult to the defeat. This bold display highlighted Perez’s confidence following her triumphant performance.
This win marked Perez’s fourth consecutive victory in the UFC, improving her record to 4-1.
However, the fight was almost cancelled due to concerns over her ability to gain weight. Many fans and commentators questioned whether the about should proceed, given the difficulties she faced during the weigh-in.
Despite the weigh-in drama, Perez was cleared to fight, although she faced penalties for missing weight.
She was required to forfeit 20 percent of her fight purse and was rendered ineligible for any performance bonuses, a significant financial setback.
Her coaches, observing her condition, decided against continuing the weight cut, prioritising her health over meeting the exact weight limit.
UFC officials were also concerned, assisting Perez off the scale after she struggled to compose herself.
Perez, who also maintains a presence as an OnlyFans model outside the octagon, remains a prominent figure in the women’s bantamweight division.
She is currently ranked No. 15 globally, and her latest victory is expected to boost her ranking in the coming weeks.
The controversy surrounding her weigh-in may have overshadowed the fight, but Perez’s performance on fight night reinforced her standing as a formidable competitor.
Her ability to overcome the challenges of the weight cut and still dominate in the cage speaks to her resilience and skill.
As Perez continues her UFC career, her growing success in the bantamweight division will likely attract more attention, both for her fighting abilities and her post-fight antics. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how she handles future challenges.
In the meantime, Perez’s victory at UFC Paris has further solidified her reputation as a rising star in the sport, with her unique combination of athleticism and showmanship setting her apart from her peers.
