Dumont vs Perez Headlined for UFC Fight Night 289

New September Fight Card Revealed

ESPN Knockout’s fighter‑turned‑commentator Gaston Reyno dropped the latest scheduling news on Friday, unveiling the fourth UFC event of September. The bout, expected to headline UFC Vegas 121, will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Sept. 26. While not the main attraction, the matchup pits two top‑ranked bantamweights against each other.

Norma Dumont (13‑3) will face Ailin Perez (13‑2) in a 135‑pound clash that Perez promptly confirmed as a potential title eliminator on Instagram. The event’s location and date give fans a concrete timeline to mark in their calendars for what could be a decisive step toward a championship shot.

Long‑Running Rivalry Sparks Drama

The two women have been eyeing each other since early 2024, when Perez stopped Joselyne Edwards and extended her own three‑fight winning streak. Perez has repeatedly called out Dumont, even branding the feud “the war of the asses” in a past interview with MMA Junkie. Dumont, meanwhile, says the fight was once offered and she turned it down.

That mutual respect—and resentment—has kept the bantamweight division’s pecking order in flux. Both fighters have hinted that a victory here could reshape the landscape of women’s 135‑pound combat.

Recent Winning Streaks Behind Each Fighter

Dumont’s most recent loss came via decision to Edwards in April, ending a notable run. She had previously competed in featherweight before that division was discontinued and compiled three straight wins at 135 pounds between 2024 and 2025. Since a promotional debut loss to Megan Anderson, she has appeared in 11 consecutive decisions.

Perez enters the clash on her longest professional stretch, six wins in a row, all at 135 pounds. The only weight miss she incurred was against Darya Zheleznyakova, a bout still counted as a bantamweight contest. Her current streak ties her for the second‑longest in the division’s history, matched only by Ronda Rousey.

Why This Eliminator Matters

The UFC puts a premium on title contention, and this fight is being framed as a de‑facto eliminator for the bantamweight championship. With Amanda Nunes holding the record for the longest consecutive win streak in the women’s 135‑pound era, Dumont and Perez are battling for the chance to become the next dominant force.

A win could vault the victor toward a main‑event spot and a title fight, while a loss might force a recalibration of each fighter’s future plans within the promotion’s hierarchy. The stakes are high not just for the fighters but for fans eager to see who will claim the division’s next dominant voice.