Aline Pereira failed to secure a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship after suffering a unanimous decision defeat on Dana White's Contender Series. The Brazilian fighter was attempting to follow the path of her brother Alex into the elite mixed martial arts organisation.
The 36-year-old former kickboxer entered the contest looking to build upon her professional mixed martial arts resume. However, she found herself overwhelmed by the relentless pressure and high volume of punches delivered by her opponent from Sweden.
The victorious fighter on the night was Smilla Sundell, who put on a dominant display inside the cage. Sundell's aggressive approach and striking output proved decisive across the duration of the bout, convincing the judges to award her the unanimous decision.
Following the conclusion of the fight, UFC president Dana White admitted he initially had reservations about offering the 21-year-old Sundell a contract. His hesitation stemmed primarily from her relative inexperience within the sport at a professional level.
Despite these initial doubts, White was eventually persuaded by his management team to hand the young prospect a deal. Sundell expressed her relief and excitement following the decision, acknowledging the concerns about her experience while embracing the opportunity.
I was scared but I believe everything happens for a reason and I'm really happy it worked out, Sundell said regarding the anxious moments before securing her promotional contract with the organisation.
For Pereira, the setback marks her third defeat in professional mixed martial arts since making the transition from kickboxing. Her professional record now stands at three victories and three losses since she started competing in the sport in 2022.
The defeat halts momentum for the Brazilian, who had previously tasted victory earlier in the year. She had secured a win on the Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano undercard broadcast on Netflix back in May.
Throughout her latest appearance on the Contender Series, Pereira had her famous brother in her corner offering vital guidance. Alex Pereira, aged 39, serves as a massive figure in the sport as a former two-division champion in the promotion.
Alex Pereira has carved out a legendary status as one of the most successful athletes in the history of the organisation. He previously captured championship titles in both the middleweight and the light-heavyweight divisions.
Earlier in the year in June, Alex attempted an unprecedented feat to capture a belt in a third weight class. He moved up to challenge heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, though he ultimately fell short in that historic championship bid.
Away from the Contender Series action, UFC president Dana White also addressed recent comments made by fighter Sean Strickland regarding compensation. Strickland had publicly claimed that athletes competing in the organisation are underpaid.
Strickland went further by suggesting his own motivation for mixed martial arts was fading, hinting at a potential transition into professional boxing. He argued that the sweet science offered significantly more financial rewards for competitors today.
White dismissed the criticism swiftly when questioned about Strickland's grievances regarding financial packages. The promotion's chief pointed directly to the fact that the middleweight contender had only recently put pen to paper on a fresh agreement.
When isn't Sean Strickland upset about something or doesn't have something to say? White remarked when addressing the media regarding the complaints. He emphasised the timing of the recent negotiations to counter the narrative of unfair compensation.
Sean Strickland just signed a new contract in May. It is what it is, White added, noting that the existence of a brand new deal made complaints about being trapped under unfavourable terms unreasonable.
If we were in a situation where he'd been under the same contract for a year, two years, but he just signed a contract in May, White concluded, reinforcing his stance on the matter of fighter pay and contracts.
In other recent combat sports news surrounding the ecosystem, former UFC fighter MVP has completed a move to sign with KSI's Misfits Boxing promotion. This highlights the ongoing crossover appeal and movement between traditional mixed martial arts and alternative combat sports ventures.
The events on the Contender Series continue to shape the future rosters of the organisation as young prospects battle for their big breaks. While Sundell managed to convince the leadership team to hand her a coveted contract, established veterans continue to voice opinions.
As the mixed martial arts calendar continues to unfold, fighters across various weight classes evaluate their career trajectories. The fierce competition on platforms like the Contender Series ensures that only the most resilient athletes break through to the main roster.
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