Written by Alice Pereira is set to be the youngest female fighter to ever compete in the UFC’s octagon.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that the undefeated Pereira makes her UFC debut against Monsterrat Rendon at Noche UFC 3. The event takes place Sept. 13 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Pereira first announced the matchup on social media.
At just 19 years of age, Pereira has stopped most of her opposition as a professional fighter. In her most recent outing, “Golden Girl” captured the Cage Masters FC bantamweight title with a decision victory over 21-fight veteran Samara Santos in December. Less than two weeks after that victory, UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard delivered good news via FaceTime that she was an outright signing to the promotion.
Rendon makes her third octagon appearance at the annual Noche UFC event. After winning her promotional debut against Tamires Vidal, “Monster” dropped a decision to Darya Zheleznyakova at UFC Vegas 89 in March 2024. Rendon competes for the first time in 18 months.
Noche UFC 3 is headlined by a pivotal featherweight matchup between recent 145-pound title challenger Diego Lopes and surging contender Jean Silva.