Alice Pereira’s Unconventional Path to the UFC Octagon
Nineteen-year-old Brazilian bantamweight Alice Pereira has taken an unusual route to the UFC, bypassing the typical proving ground of Dana White’s Contender Series. While most aspiring UFC fighters strive to impress White on his show, Pereira caught the eye of the promotion’s brass through a more audacious approach. Following a unanimous decision victory in December 2023, Pereira donned a t-shirt boldly displaying UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard’s name alongside her undefeated record and knockout statistics. This strategic move, coupled with her impressive in-cage performances, garnered attention from the UFC, ultimately leading to a contract offer. White, known for his unconventional announcements, shared the news via his Instagram story, showcasing Pereira’s callout and the subsequent phone call confirming her UFC contract.
Pereira’s striking prowess and remarkable reach for her weight class have been instrumental in her undefeated streak. A knockout victory against Karla Lacerda showcased her ability to control distance and deliver powerful strikes, establishing her as a dangerous long-range sniper. Her youth and untapped potential make her an intriguing addition to the UFC’s bantamweight division, and her signing marks a departure from the usual practice of nurturing young talent on the Contender Series. The UFC’s decision to fast-track her to the main roster signifies a belief in her potential to become a significant force in the division.
While the exact reasons behind Pereira’s direct entry into the UFC remain somewhat veiled, her connections within the MMA community likely played a role. Pereira has trained with established UFC fighters like heavyweight Jailton Almeida and possibly rising middleweight contender Caio Borralho, suggesting a network of support and mentorship that may have facilitated her signing. This connection to established fighters provides valuable insights and training opportunities, accelerating her development and potentially influencing the UFC’s decision to bypass the Contender Series.
The UFC’s women’s bantamweight division is currently undergoing a period of transition, with a mix of established veterans and rising contenders vying for position. While Raquel Pennington holds the championship title, challengers like Kayla Harrison and other promising fighters are emerging as potential threats. Pereira’s arrival injects another element of excitement into the division, raising questions about her potential trajectory and how she might match up against established competitors.
The selection of Pereira’s debut opponent will be a telling sign of how the UFC assesses her current skill level. A match-up against a lower-ranked fighter would suggest a gradual approach to her development, allowing her to acclimate to the UFC’s level of competition. Conversely, pairing her with a more established name could indicate a belief in her readiness to contend with the division’s elite. Given that Pereira recently competed in a five-round fight, the UFC may opt to give her ample time to prepare for her debut, potentially targeting a card in the coming months.
Pereira’s emergence comes at an opportune time for the women’s bantamweight division. While fighters like Peña, Harrison, Perez, Cavalcanti, and Chandler are generating excitement, the division lacks a clear-cut dominant force beyond the top contenders. This creates an opening for a rising star like Pereira to make a significant impact and potentially climb the rankings quickly. Her striking skills, coupled with her youth and potential for growth, make her a valuable addition to the division and a potential future title contender.
The UFC’s decision to sign Pereira directly to the main roster represents a calculated gamble. While her talent is undeniable, her lack of experience against top-level competition remains a question mark. The coming months will reveal whether she can live up to the hype and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s bantamweight division. Her debut fight and subsequent performances will be crucial in determining her trajectory and whether she can fulfill her potential as a future star in the UFC.
