Dumont Calls UFC Vegas 121 Loss 'Absurd' After Perez Wins Unanimous Decision

Key points

• Ailin Perez defeated Norma Dumont via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Vegas 121 in Las Vegas.
• Dumont, the No. 2 ranked women's bantamweight, called the decision 'one of the biggest absurdities' she has seen in MMA.
• Dumont claimed she won the second round 'without a shadow of a doubt' and that Perez was 'desperate' and did nothing in the third round.
• The fight was described as 'limp' with little significant striking, featuring mostly careful maneuvering and short bursts of action.
• Perez won the first and third rounds according to the judges, while Dumont believed she controlled the second round.
• The rivalry escalated at weigh-ins when Dumont threw condoms and money at Perez, referencing her OnlyFans activities.

Background

The Dumont-Perez rivalry had been building for weeks, with both fighters engaging in heated verbal exchanges and provocative actions at weigh-ins. Dumont, known for her aggressive pre-fight behavior, threw condoms and cash at Perez, mocking her public persona. Perez, in turn, dismissed Dumont's antics and focused on her own strategy. The fight was elevated to the co-main event of UFC Vegas 121, highlighting the significance of the matchup. The event also featured a controversial main event where Raul Rosas Jr. knocked out Raoni Barcelos in a bizarre fifth-round finish, drawing attention away from the co-main event. The bantamweight division is currently in flux, with a title fight expected soon, making this result crucial for both fighters' trajectories.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Junkie described the fight as 'limp' and 'careful,' noting that neither fighter asserted themselves enough to clearly dominate, though Perez's post-fight celebration and the judges' scores favored her. Bloody Elbow focused on Dumont's furious reaction, highlighting her claim that the decision was absurd and that she won the second round decisively. MMA Mania emphasized the pre-fight drama, particularly the condom-throwing incident at weigh-ins, and Perez's defense of her marketing strategy. The outlets differ in their assessment of the fight's quality: MMA Junkie saw it as a tactical stalemate, while Bloody Elbow and Dumont herself viewed it as a clear robbery. All sources agree that the rivalry remains unresolved and that the decision was controversial.

Why it matters

The result affects the women's bantamweight division's title picture. Perez's win keeps her in contention for a title shot, while Dumont's loss and public outburst may impact her standing with the UFC. The controversy over the decision could influence future matchmaking and fan perception of both fighters. Additionally, the pre-fight drama and post-fight reaction highlight the ongoing tensions in the division, which may affect future events and promotional strategies. The incident also underscores the challenges of judging close, low-activity fights in MMA, where subjective scoring can lead to significant controversy.

What to watch

Perez is expected to be in line for a women's bantamweight title shot, potentially against the winner of an upcoming title fight. Dumont may seek a rematch or a new opponent, depending on the UFC's decision. The controversy over the decision could lead to further public exchanges between the two fighters. The bantamweight division's title picture will be clarified in the coming weeks, with the outcome of the upcoming title fight likely to determine the next champion. Dumont's public reaction may also influence her future promotional opportunities and fan support.