UFC women’s bantamweight contender Luana Santos believes that the promotion was disappointed by Ailin Perez’s recent performance inside the Octagon.
Title Hopes and Perez’s Standing
Perez holds a seven-fight winning streak in the UFC and is coming off the biggest victory of her career against Norma Dumont. Because that win came via a decision, Santos stated to MMAFighting.com that the organization’s matchmakers are dissatisfied with the showing. Santos believes this situation gives her an opportunity to leapfrog her divisional rivals and secure a championship opportunity if she succeeds at UFC Vegas 123.
“The UFC wasn’t happy with Ailin’s last performance. She only has one submission in the UFC, and if I get an early finish now, I’ll have four finishes in the UFC. So yes, it’s possible the UFC could move me ahead of them. I’m definitely going to ask for the title shot. That’s what I want, that’s my goal, and then we’ll see what makes the most sense for the UFC. I think I’m someone the UFC sees value in as a marketable fighter,” Santos said.
Path to the 135-Pound Championship
Santos explained that securing a stoppage victory this weekend is essential for her goal of skipping past Perez and Joselyne Edwards. A strong finish could position her to face the winner of the UFC 334 co-main event between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes.
“I have two contenders ahead of me, Ailin and Joselyne, who are coming off very good winning streaks and have already fought each other. I think it’s definitely possible that I could get the next title shot, depending on how I win, but we can’t forget that there are two other major contenders ahead of me as well. If I get a submission or a knockout, and I’m not next in line, then I’ll be one win away from a title shot,” Santos stated.
Santos is scheduled to face Yana Santos at UFC Vegas 123 this weekend.
