Alex Perez (fighter)

Alex Perez
BornAlexander Salvador Perez
(1992-03-21) March 21, 1992 (age 32)
Hanford, California, U.S.[1]
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb)
DivisionFlyweight
Reach65 in (165 cm)
StyleWrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing
Fighting out ofLemoore, California, U.S.
TeamTeam Oyama
Years active2011–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total34
Wins25
By knockout6
By submission7
By decision12
Losses9
By knockout2
By submission5
By decision2
UniversityWest Hills College Lemoore[2]
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Alexander Salvador Perez[3] (born March 21, 1992) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[4] As of December 17, 2024, he is #7 in the UFC flyweight rankings.[5]

Background

Perez is of Mexican descent and has eight siblings.[6] He started wrestling in the sixth grade alongside his two brothers Silverio Esparza and Julian Perez. Perez represent West Hills College Lemoore in junior college wrestling and he was the regional champion and All-American wrestler in his sophomore year in college.[2] After Perez completed high school at Lemoore, he began helping friends train for their MMA fights due to his wrestling experience. [7]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Perez fought all of his fights in United States where he made his professional debut on May 6, 2011, at TPF 9. He faced Jesus Castro and knockout Castro in round one.[8] He amassed a total of 16-4 before joining Dana White's Contender Series 5, facing Kevin Gray. He defeated Gray, and with the win, he was signed by UFC.[9]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Perez made his promotional debut on December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega against Carlos John de Tomas.[10] He won the fight via submission in round two.[11]

On February 24, 2018, Perez faced Eric Shelton at UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens.[12] At the weigh-ins, Perez weighed in at 126.5 pounds, a half pound over the flyweight non-title fight upper limit of 126 pounds. As a result, the bout proceeded at catchweight and Perez was fined 20% of his purse which went to Shelton.[13] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[14]

Perez faced Jose Torres on August 9, 2018, at UFC 227.[15] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[16]

Perez faced Joseph Benavidez on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.[17] He lost the fight via technical knockout out in round one.[18]

Perez faced Mark De La Rosa in a bantamweight bout on March 30, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 2.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[20]

Perez was scheduled to face Sergio Pettis on September 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 159.[21] However, Perez pulled out of the bout on August 26 citing an injury.[22]

Perez faced Jordan Espinosa on January 25, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 166.[23] He won the fight via an arm-triangle choke in round one.[24] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[25] Perez's arm triangle was an on the fly adjustment and the first time he had submitted someone from that position.[7]

Perez was expected to face Kai Kara-France on May 16, 2020.[26] However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that the event would be postponed to a future date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[27] Instead Perez faced Jussier Formiga on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250.[28] He won the fight via first-round technical knockout.[29] This win earned him the Performance of the Night.[30]

Perez was expected to face Brandon Moreno on November 21, 2020, at UFC 255.[31] However, on October 2, it was announced that Perez would face Deiveson Figueiredo, replacing an injured Cody Garbrandt for the UFC Flyweight Championship at the same event.[32] He lost the fight via guillotine choke submission in round one.[33]

Perez was scheduled to meet Matt Schnell on May 15, 2021, at UFC 262.[34] However, for undisclosed reasons Perez was forced to pull out from the event and was replaced by Rogério Bontorin.[35]

Perez was scheduled to face Askar Askarov on July 31, 2021, on UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland.[36] However, Askarov pulled out of the fight in early July citing injury. In turn, Perez was removed from the card entirely and rescheduled to face Matt Schnell four weeks later on August 28, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Chikadze.[37] However, for undisclosed reasons, the bout was moved to UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Till.[38] However, the bout was yet again moved for unknown reasons to UFC 269.[39] At the weigh-ins, Alex Perez weighed in at 126.25 pounds, a quarter-pound over the flyweight non-title fight limit. Shortly after the weigh-ins, officials had announced that the bout had been canceled due to Schnell withdrawing from the event because of a medical issue.[40] The pair was rescheduled to UFC 271 on February 12, 2022.[41] At weigh-ins, Perez came in at 128 pounds and did not attempt to try again, resulting in Matt Schnell refusing to accept the catchweight bout and the fight being canceled.[42]

Perez faced Alexandre Pantoja on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277.[43] He lost the fight via a neck crank submission early in the first round.[44]

Perez was scheduled to face Amir Albazi on December 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 216.[45] However, he pulled out due to undisclosed reasons in late October and was replaced by Brandon Royval.[46]

Perez was scheduled to face Kai Kara-France on February 12, 2023, at UFC 284.[47] However, Kara-France withdrew from the fight, citing a knee injury and the bout was canceled.[48]

Perez was scheduled to face Manel Kape on March 25, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 43.[49] However, the pairing was cancelled during the broadcast as Perez suffered an undisclosed medical issue.[50]

Perez faced Muhammad Mokaev on March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 238.[51] After being taken down a number of times, Perez lost the bout by unanimous decision.[52]

Perez faced Matheus Nicolau, as a replacement for Manel Kape, on April 27, 2024 at UFC on ESPN 55.[53] Perez won the fight by knockout in the second round.[54] This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.[55]

Perez was scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov on June 15, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 58.[56] However, the bout was changed and Perez ended up headlining the main event against Tatsuro Taira.[57] Perez lost the fight by technical knockout as a result of a knee injury in the second round.[58]

Professional grappling career

Perez was booked to compete against two-time NCAA champion wrestler Roman Bravo-Young in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 on June 29, 2023.[59] The match ended in a draw.[60]

Personal life

Alex and his wife have a son (born 2021).[61]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
34 matches 25 wins 9 losses
By knockout 6 2
By submission 7 5
By decision 12 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 25–9 Tatsuro Taira TKO (knee injury) UFC on ESPN: Perez vs. Taira June 15, 2024 2 2:59 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–8 Matheus Nicolau KO (punch) UFC on ESPN: Nicolau vs. Perez April 27, 2024 2 2:16 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 24–8 Muhammad Mokaev Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev March 2, 2024 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 24–7 Alexandre Pantoja Submission (neck crank) UFC 277 July 30, 2022 1 1:31 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 24–6 Deiveson Figueiredo Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 255 November 21, 2020 1 1:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Flyweight Championship.
Win 24–5 Jussier Formiga TKO (leg kicks) UFC 250 June 6, 2020 1 4:06 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 23–5 Jordan Espinosa Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos January 25, 2020 1 2:33 Raleigh, North Carolina, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 22–5 Mark De La Rosa Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje March 30, 2019 3 5:00 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Bantamweight bout.
Loss 21–5 Joseph Benavidez TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale November 30, 2018 1 4:21 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–4 Jose Torres KO (punches) UFC 227 August 9, 2018 1 3:34 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 20–4 Eric Shelton Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens February 24, 2018 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida, United States Catchweight (126.5 lb) bout; Perez missed weight.
Win 19–4 Carls John de Tomas Submission (anaconda choke) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega December 9, 2017 2 1:54 Fresno, California, United States Bantamweight bout.
Win 18–4 Kevin Gray Technical Submission (anaconda choke) Dana White's Contender Series 5 August 8, 2017 1 2:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Flyweight.
Win 17–4 Tyler Bialecki Decision (unanimous) CFFC 64 March 25, 2017 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Win 16–4 Andrew Natividad Submission (anaconda choke) TPF 30 February 2, 2017 1 2:27 Lemoore, California, United States Return to Bantamweight.
Win 15–4 Ralph Acosta Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Warranted Aggression December 18, 2016 3 5:00 Ontario, California, United States Catchweight (130 lb) bout; Perez missed weight (131.4 lb).
Win 14–4 Ray Elizalde Decision (split) RFA 42 August 19, 2016 3 5:00 Visalia, California, United States
Loss 13–4 Jared Papazian Submission (armbar) TPF 27 May 19, 2016 1 3:26 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (130 lb) bout.
Loss 13–3 Adam Antolin Submission (guillotine choke) TPF 25 November 19, 2015 1 1:15 Lemoore, California, United States Lost the TPF Flyweight Championship.
Win 13–2 Martin Sandoval Decision (unanimous) TPF 24 August 6, 2015 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (127.2 lb) bout; Perez missed weight.
Win 12–2 Anthony Figueroa Decision (unanimous) TPF 22 February 5, 2015 5 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Won the vacant TPF Flyweight Championship.
Win 11–2 Del Hawkins TKO (punches) TPF 19 June 19, 2014 1 2:23 Lemoore, California, United States Bantamweight bout.
Win 10–2 Eloy Garza Decision (unanimous) TPF 18 February 6, 2014 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 9–2 Jeff Carson Submission (standing guillotine) TPF 16 August 22, 2013 1 2:23 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 8–2 Peter Baltimore Decision (unanimous) MEZ Sports: Pandemonium 8 March 23, 2013 3 5:00 Pomona, California, United States
Win 7–2 Carlos DeSoto TKO (punches) TPF 15 November 15, 2012 1 1:52 Lemoore, California, United States Bantamweight bout; Perez missed weight (138.8 lb).
Win 6–2 Javier Galas Submission (rear-naked choke) TPF 14 September 7, 2012 1 1:37 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (139 lb) bout.
Win 5–2 Edgar Diaz Submission (kimura) TPF 12 March 9, 2012 1 2:33 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (130.2 lb) bout; Perez missed weight.
Win 4–2 Kevin Michel Decision (unanimous) CA Fight Syndicate: Rivalry January 28, 2012 3 5:00 Santa Monica, California, United States
Loss 3–2 John MaCalolooy Decision (unanimous) WFC: Bruvado Bash January 7, 2012 3 5:00 Placerville, California, United States
Loss 3–1 Edgar Diaz Submission (guillotine choke) TPF 11 December 2, 2011 1 0:43 Lemoore, California, United States Flyweight debut.
Win 3–0 Sam Stevens-Milo Decision (unanimous) UPC Unlimited: Up & Comers 6 September 10, 2011 3 5:00 Turlock, California, United States
Win 2–0 Ruben Trujillo Decision (unanimous) UPC Unlimited: Up & Comers 4 Jun 24, 2011 3 5:00 Madera, California, United States
Win 1–0 Jesus Castro TKO (punches) TPF 9 May 6, 2011 1 1:56 Lemoore, California, United States Bantamweight debut.

[62]

Pay-per-view bouts

No Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
1. UFC 255 Figueiredo vs. Perez November 21, 2020 UFC Apex Enterprise, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[63]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Alex Perez - Official UFC® Profile". www.ufc.com. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Lemoore High School wrestler and MMA champ Alex Perez gets shot at UFC big time". The Leader. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  3. ^ Mutuku, Ryan (August 22, 2022). "Alex Perez's bio: Everything to know about the MMA fighter". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Alex Perez - Official UFC® Profile". www.ufc.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  5. ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  6. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (October 7, 2020). "ALEX PEREZ'S GOAL IS TO BE A ROLE MODEL". UFC. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  7. ^ a b Blaine Henry (February 11, 2020). "Alex Perez: UFC Flyweights Thriving". Fight-Library.com.
  8. ^ "Alex Perez MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  9. ^ "DWTNCS 5 results: Mike Rodriguez, Alex Perez latest UFC signees". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  10. ^ "Alex Perez Wants to Make a Statement in UFC Debut | MMAWeekly.com". www.mmaweekly.com. December 6, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  11. ^ "UFC Fight Night 123 results: Alex Perez makes easy work of Carls John de Tomas for tap in second". MMAjunkie. December 10, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  12. ^ "Alex Perez VS Eric Shelton at UFC on FOX 28". www.fight-madness.com (in Slovenian). Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  13. ^ "UFC on FOX 28 official weigh-in results: Emmett, Stephens hit marks; Perez heavy". mmajunkie.com. February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  14. ^ "UFC on FOX 28 results: Alex Perez frustrates Eric Shelton for unanimous decision". MMAjunkie. February 24, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  15. ^ "Jose Torres vs. Alex Perez Booked For UFC 227 • MMA News". MMA News. July 13, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  16. ^ "After quick UFC 227 win, Alex Perez admits toughest fight might be against Korean barbecue". MMAjunkie. August 5, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  17. ^ "Joseph Benavidez quickly rebooked, meets Alex Perez at TUF 28 Finale". MMAjunkie. November 9, 2018. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
  18. ^ "TUF 28 Finale results: Joseph Benavidez scores two TKO finishes of Alex Perez". MMAjunkie. December 1, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
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  20. ^ "UFC Philadelphia results: Alex Perez takes easy decision against Mark De La Rosa". MMA Junkie. March 30, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  21. ^ "Sergio Pettis vs. Alex Perez, Two Other Contests Confirmed for UFC Mexico City on Sept. 21". Sherdog. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  22. ^ Hannoun, Farah (August 26, 2019). "Alex Perez withdraws from UFC on ESPN+ 17 fight vs. Sergio Pettis in Mexico City". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 26, 2019.
  23. ^ "Flyweight gevecht tussen Jordan Espinosa en Alex Perez toegevoegd aan UFC Raleigh". November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  24. ^ McClory, Mike (January 25, 2020). "UFC Raleigh Results: Alex Perez Powers Through Espinosa with Arm Triangle Sub". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  25. ^ a b Youngs, Jose (January 25, 2020). "UFC Raleigh bonuses: Brett Johns vs. Tony Gravely earns Fight of the Night". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  26. ^ Nolan King and Mike Bohn (March 6, 2020). "Alex Perez vs. Kai Kara-France booked for flyweight fight at UFC San Diego". mmajunkie. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  27. ^ Steven Marrocco (April 20, 2020). "UFC officially cancels four events due to coronavirus pandemic". mmafighting.com. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  28. ^ "Jussier Formiga treft Alex Perez tijdens UFC 250 op 6 juni aanstaande". May 6, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  29. ^ Bryan Tucker (June 6, 2020). "UFC 250 Results: Nunes vs. Spencer". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  30. ^ a b Anderson, Jay (June 7, 2020). "UFC 250 Bonuses: No Fight of the Night, O'Malley, Garbrandt Among Winners". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  31. ^ Mike Heck (August 10, 2020). "Brandon Moreno vs. Alex Perez set for UFC 255 in November". mmafighting.com. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  32. ^ Taylor, Tom (October 2, 2020). "Cody Garbrandt out of UFC 255 flyweight title fight, will be replaced by Alex Perez | BJPenn.com". | BJPenn.com. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  33. ^ Doherty, Dan (November 22, 2020). "UFC 255 Results: Deiveson Figueiredo Guillotines Alex Perez in First Round". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  34. ^ "BREAKING: Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 15 mei". MMA DNA. February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  35. ^ "With Alex Perez out, Rogerio Bontorin targeted to fight Matt Schnell at UFC 262". MMA Junkie. April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  36. ^ "Askar Askarov vs. Alex Perez set for UFC Vegas 33". bjpenn.com. June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  37. ^ Dorff, Marcel (July 8, 2021). "Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell wederom geboekt, ditmaal voor UFC evenement op 28 augustus". MMA DNA. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  38. ^ ATSteveDuncan (August 7, 2021). "Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell reprogramado para UFC Fight Night del 4 de septiembre". MMA.uno, #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español. (in Spanish). Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  39. ^ King, Kristen (September 20, 2021). "Fights on Tap: Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo 3 among 15 UFC bouts announced". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  40. ^ Alexander K. Lee (December 10, 2021). "UFC 269 weigh-in results: Charles Oliveira, Amanda Nunes, challengers on weight for title fights, one bout cancelled". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  41. ^ "Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell Rescheduled for UFC 271 in Houston". Sherdog. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  42. ^ "Matt Schnell explains difficult decision to turn down fight after opponent missed weight at UFC 271". MMA Junkie. February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  43. ^ Alexander, Mookie (June 9, 2022). "Alex Perez vs. Alexandre Pantoja set for UFC 277". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  44. ^ Law, Eddie (July 30, 2022). "UFC 277: Alexandre Pantoja Wastes No Time, Submits Perez With Neck Crank In The First". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  45. ^ Alexander, Mookie (August 30, 2022). "Alex Perez vs. Amir Albazi slated for UFC Fight Night in December". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  46. ^ Farah Hannoun (October 25, 2022). "Brandon Royval vs. Amir Albazi booked for UFC Fight Night on Dec. 17". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
  47. ^ Nolan King and Farah Hannoun (November 16, 2022). "Kai Kara-France vs. Alex Perez joins UFC 284 lineup in Perth". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  48. ^ "Kai Kara-France announces injury withdrawal from UFC 284 in Perth: 'I'm gutted'". MMA Junkie. December 22, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  49. ^ Matthew Wells and Mike Bohn (December 23, 2022). "Ranked UFC flyweights Alex Perez, Manel Kape to clash in March". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  50. ^ Matthew Wells (March 25, 2023). "Fight day medical issue forces Alex Perez out of UFC on ESPN 43 vs. Manel Kape". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  51. ^ Cunningham, John (December 6, 2023). "Muhammad Mokaev Booked To Return At UFC Saudi Arabia On March 2, Faces Former Title Challenger". MMA News. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  52. ^ Jay Anderson (March 2, 2024). "UFC Vegas 87: Muhammad Mokaev Wins Grinding Decision Over Alex Perez". casesidepress.com. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  53. ^ Shaun Al-Shatti (April 2, 2024). "Manel Kape out, Matheus Nicolau vs. Alex Perez announced as new UFC Vegas 91 headliner". mmafighting.com. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  54. ^ Anderson, Jay (April 28, 2024). "UFC Vegas 91: Alex Perez Crumples Matheus Nicolau with Massive KO". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  55. ^ a b Chris Taylor (April 27, 2024). "UFC Vegas 91 Bonus Report: Bogdan Guskov one of four fighters to take home $50k". bjpenn.com. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  56. ^ Raghuwanshi, Vipin (March 22, 2024). "Alex Perez vs Tagir Ulanbekov Reported for UFC Event on June 15". www.itnwwe.com. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  57. ^ Riggs, Drake (May 13, 2024). "Shake-up! UFC Vegas 93 re-arranges matchups, Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira now headlines". MMAmania.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  58. ^ Anderson, Jay (June 16, 2024). "UFC Vegas 93: Tatsuro Taira Takedown Leaves Alex Perez Unable to Continue". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  59. ^ de Souza, Diogo (May 28, 2023). "NCAA Champion Roman Bravo-Young To Make BJJ Debut At UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4". JitsMagazine. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  60. ^ "UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  61. ^ Mike Heck (August 3, 2021). What the Heck: Mads Burnell, Taylor Starling, Alex Perez and Casey Kenney - MMA Fighting. mmafighting.com – via YouTube.
  62. ^ "Alex Perez MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  63. ^ "UFC 255: Figueiredo vs. Perez | MMA Event". Tapology.