Women’s bantamweight grudge match booked for Sept. 26 UFC Apex event

The UFC has booked a women's bantamweight matchup between Brazil's Norma Dumont (13-3) and Argentina's Ailin Perez (13-2) for September 26 at UFC Fight Night 289—also likely to be called UFC Vegas 121—at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

The pairing marks a collision between two title contenders in a crowded 135-pound division. Perez, who has been vocal about wanting this fight, previously dubbed it "the war of the asses" in an interview. Dumont has suggested the matchup was offered to Perez in the past but turned down.

Perez arrives on an impressive six-fight winning streak at bantamweight, tying her with Ronda Rousey for the second-longest consecutive win streak in women's bantamweight history—only Amanda Nunes' nine-fight streak surpasses it. Her recent victories include a decision win over Joselyne Edwards that extended her streak to three before her current run.

Dumont is coming off an April decision loss to Edwards, which halted her own considerable winning streak. Prior to that setback, she had reeled off three consecutive victories at 135 pounds after competing at featherweight before that division was shuttered. Since her promotional debut against Megan Anderson, Dumont has gone the distance in 11 straight fights, settling every bout via decision.

Both fighters have been eyeing each other since 2024, and this matchup represents a significant opportunity for either to strengthen their case for a future title shot in the competitive bantamweight ranks.