Meet Ailin Perez – the MMA star who won UFC Vegas 82
AILIN PEREZ has built a successful career as an MMA star and UFC fighter but found herself at the centre of a media storm in November 2023.
The sports star, from Argentina, faced backlash from some UFC fans after her victory at UFC Vegas 82.
Who is Ailin Perez?
Ailin Perez was born on October 5, 1996 in Zarate, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Perez took part in judo and taekwondo as a child but later transitioned to MMA.
The star, whose nickname is Fiona, then made her amateur debut as a teenager.
She signed with Invicta FC in 2015.
As of November 2023, Perez ranks as number 11 in the worldwide rankings for Best Female Bantamweight.
She boasts over 230k followers on Instagram, where she regularly keeps fans up to date on her life and career.
When did Ailin Perez join the UFC?
Perez made her UFC debut at the UFC Fight Night 209 event in Paris, France in September 2022.
She lost her first bout but went on to win her next two fights.
Perez has a pro MMA record of nine wins and two losses.
What did Ailin Perez do before her fighting career?
While speaking to MMA Junkie in 2022, Perez revealed that she used to be a dancer.
In the interview, she revealed that she specialised in the reggaeton, salsa, and bachata dance styles.
Revealing how she incorporates her dancing past with her fighting career, Perez said: “Many people say, ‘If you know how to dance, you know how to fight.’
“I enjoy it, and that’s a way I express my happiness.
“I have the assassin side of me, and my happy part.”
She added of her nickname: “That’s how Fiona is.
“Princess Fiona is an ogre who dances, who’s very sweet, but when it comes time to fight, she’s firm and moves forward.
“That’s why they call me that.”
Why did Ailin Perez make her OnlyFans profile free?
Perez made her OnlyFans profile free after defeating Lucie Pudilova at UFC Vegas 82 on November 18, 2023.
The Argentine star won at the at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, by unanimous decision but made headlines after twerking to celebrate her victory.
Her moves sparked backlash from some fans, who accused the promotion of turning into OnlyFans.
Perez decided to capitalise on the moment and promote her own page on the subscription site.
Referencing the adverse reaction to her celebrations, she told reporters: “For anyone who wants to check out my OnlyFans, at this moment, it’s free.
“My OnlyFans is not pornography, it’s art.
“All my followers could prove that by checking it out.”
As of November 2022, 2023, her profile is still available to subscribe to for free.