Meanwhile, Perez arrives in Las Vegas this week with something to prove. The 32-year-old’s career record stands at 24-8, but he is in his first three-fight streak of his career and took advantage of a short-term opportunity against a higher-ranked opponent to try to bounce. It’s the kind of risky approach that matchmakers enjoy, but for it to be worth it, Perez has to win.
To rate Perez solely on his recent form would be unwise. Each of his three losses came against top opponents – against Deiveson Figueiredo in an unsuccessful challenge for the title, against future champion Pantoja in a fight that earned the Brazilian his chance at gold, and against rising flyweight star Muhammad Mokaev, a man. from which we expect a lot in the years to come.
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In this context, Perez’s losses should not be considered disastrous. He operates there, or thereabouts, at the sharper end of the division. But now the time has come for him to turn around and walk away from the Octagon with a victory. If he does, the timing could be perfect for him.
Pantoja puts his belt on the line against Steve Erceg in Rio at UFC 301, but former champion Brandon Moreno recently announced he is taking a break from competition. And with Pantoja winning the vacant title with a victory over Brandon Royval, it’s possible the Brazilian could target another name if he manages to get past Erceg on May 4. This could potentially bring Perez back into play for a rematch – If he can get the job done. This weekend.
Last time… against Muhammad Mokaev