Get ready for a potential record-setter. The UFC Octagon is about to welcome one of its youngest female competitors to date, as 19-year-old Brazilian prospect Alice Pereira is slated to make her promotional debut.
Multiple sources confirm Pereira will step into the cage against Monsterrat Rendon at Noche UFC 3. The event is scheduled for September 13th at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Pereira herself initially shared the news on social media, as fighters often do in this era of direct fan engagement.
At an age where many are navigating college applications or their first adult job, Alice Pereira is preparing for the pinnacle of mixed martial arts. “Golden Girl,” as she`s known, boasts an undefeated professional record, having finished the majority of her opponents. Her most recent outing saw her claim the Cage Masters FC bantamweight title in December with a decision win over a significantly more experienced veteran. Less than two weeks later, UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard extended the direct invitation via FaceTime – a modern recruitment tale, far removed from the days of hopeful fighters mailing highlight reels.
Her opponent, Monsterrat Rendon, presents an interesting challenge. This will be Rendon`s third UFC appearance. After securing a win in her debut, she faced a setback with a decision loss in March 2024. Notably, this upcoming fight marks Rendon`s return after an 18-month layoff – a significant period away from active competition that raises its own set of technical questions about ring rust versus recovery.
While Noche UFC 3 is headlined by the intriguing featherweight clash between Diego Lopes and Jean Silva, the focus for many observers will undoubtedly be on the bantamweight debut of Alice Pereira. The leap from regional competition to the UFC is substantial for any fighter, let alone one still in their teens. It requires not just physical readiness but immense mental fortitude and technical adaptability. How does a 19-year-old handle the bright lights, the pressure, and the step up in opponent quality? This fight against Rendon, a seasoned pro navigating her own career trajectory, will be a fascinating barometer. It`s a classic test: the surging, youthful, undefeated prospect against the more experienced, but recently inactive, octagon veteran.
The inclusion of someone as young as Pereira underscores the global scouting efforts of the UFC and the accelerating pace of fighter development. Whether she becomes a future champion or simply gains valuable experience, her debut is a noteworthy moment in the sport`s history. San Antonio is set to witness potentially the start of a significant career.
