Aline Pereira, sister of two-weight UFC champion Alex Pereira, is preparing for a pivotal moment in her career as she aims to secure a contract with the UFC. The Brazilian fighter will face the undefeated Smilla Sundell on October 13, 2023, as part of Dana White's Contender Series in Las Vegas. This event serves as a platform for fighters outside the UFC to earn contracts through one-off contests, making it a significant opportunity for Pereira.
Pereira, who holds a professional record of 3-2, will be competing in a bantamweight bout against Sundell, a notable prospect and Muay Thai champion currently signed with ONE Championship. Aline confirmed her fight through her Instagram account, expressing her excitement for the matchup. Her previous victories have all come by decision, with her last win being a split decision against Jade Masson-Wong in May 2023, which took place on the undercard of Jake Paul's inaugural MMA event.
Before transitioning to mixed martial arts, Aline Pereira had a successful kickboxing career, including a shot at the super-bantamweight title with Glory promotions. She made her MMA debut in 2022 but faced challenges early on, starting with a 1-2 record in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). However, she rebounded in 2024 by joining the Karate Combat League, where she went undefeated with three wins, two of which were by knockout, ultimately capturing the promotion's inaugural women's flyweight title.
As she prepares for her upcoming fight, Aline is often seen training alongside her brother, Alex Pereira, who recently attempted to become a three-weight UFC champion but fell short against Ciryl Gane in an interim heavyweight title bout in June 2023. This familial connection adds an intriguing layer to Aline's journey as she seeks to carve out her own legacy in the sport.
Standing in her way is Smilla Sundell, a formidable opponent who has already made waves in the MMA world. At just 21 years old, Sundell boasts two wins in her professional career and made headlines when she became the youngest champion in ONE Championship history by claiming the inaugural women's strawweight Muay Thai title at the age of 17 years and 161 days. This experience and skill set make her a tough challenge for Aline as she aims to secure her place in the UFC.
The upcoming bout not only represents a chance for Aline Pereira to join her brother in the UFC but also highlights the growing talent pool in women's mixed martial arts. With the stakes high and both fighters looking to prove themselves, the matchup promises to be an exciting addition to the Contender Series.
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