Ailin Perez Predicts ‘Speechless’ Performance Against Karol Rosa at UFC 311

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Rising UFC women’s bantamweight contender Ailin Perez is confident she will deliver a career-defining performance against veteran Karol Rosa at UFC 311 on Saturday. The fight, part of the preliminary card at the Intuit Dome, could propel Perez into the top 10 of the UFC rankings.

Perez (11-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) enters the bout on a four-fight winning streak and believes a decisive victory over Rosa (18-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) will solidify her place among the division’s elite. “It’s clear that it will,” Perez said when asked if a win would secure her a spot in the rankings. “I’m going to beat Karol, and I’m going to do it in a way that’s going to leave everyone speechless, just like I did with Darya Zheleznyakova.”

Since her UFC debut loss to Stephanie Egger in 2022, Perez has dropped to 135 pounds and remained undefeated. She credits her recent success to personal growth and a relentless work ethic. “I’ve been on the hunt for a lot of evolution and learning, not just in the cage to finish my opponents, but also outside of it to evolve on the personal side like a mother, daughter, sister,” Perez said. “That’s what I need to keep advancing and continuing undefeated at 135 pounds.”

Perez, who finished her last fight with a knockout, is optimistic about her future in the UFC. “My first year in the UFC in 2023 was full of wins, and I continued in 2024 undefeated with victories,” she said. “I’ve gathered all that momentum, and I want to keep advancing, hopefully to the heights of fighting for a UFC title. Everything that’s happening to me is a consequence of my hard work.”

Rosa, however, presents a significant challenge. The Brazilian fighter has a proven track record in the UFC, though she has lost two of her last three fights. Perez acknowledges Rosa’s skills but remains confident in her ability to secure a stoppage victory. “I think she’s a complete fighter in her style and game plan, but I feel equipped and prepared to finish the fight with a beautiful knockout,” Perez said.

UFC 311, the first pay-per-view event of 2025, features two title fights and a stacked lineup. The preliminary card begins at 6 p.m. EST on FX, Disney+, and ESPN+.