Alex Perez had a point to prove. And boy, did he make his mark.
The Team Oyama standout turned heads at UFC on ESPN 55. He delivered a stunning knockout against Matheus Nicolau just over two minutes into the second round. This victory at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas was more than a win; it was a statement.
After a rough patch of three consecutive losses and a series of fight cancellations, Perez needed this. “It just shows that I’m still here,” he reflected during the post-fight press conference. Despite the setbacks, his belief never wavered. With the support of his team, friends, and family, he was determined to remind everyone of his caliber.
Winning his first UFC match since June 2020 required a shift in mindset for the 32-year-old from California. “Honestly, I had to change a lot of mental things,” Perez admitted. The cancellations and losses took a toll, but life’s challenges didn’t deter him. With responsibilities like a son and bills, giving up wasn’t an option.
Perez credits his perseverance to his team’s unwavering support. They reminded him of his prowess, boosting his confidence. “…I just kind of kept moving forward and listened to my team. … All these guys that kind of stuck with me by my side and told me, ‘Hey, you’re one of the best in the world.’” This belief fueled his comeback.
The victory was particularly sweet for Perez, who had been playfully nicknamed “Pillow Hands” by friends due to his recent lack of knockouts. That changed with his one-punch finish of Nicolau. “… All my friends always call me ‘Pillow Hands’. Now they can’t call me that no more,” Perez joked. He also shared a humorous anecdote about being called “ASP,” short for Alex ‘Sleeping Pill’ Perez, not for his knockout power but for his tendency to take fights to the ground.
Perez’s performance was a testament to his evolution as a fighter. He hinted at new techniques he’s been honing, finally getting a chance to showcase them. “… But it showed off tonight. We’re going to keep working and going from there,” he concluded, eager for what’s next.
This fight was more than just a return to form for Perez. It was a reminder of his resilience, skill, and the unwavering support of his circle. With this knockout, the flyweight division is on notice. Alex Perez is not just back; he’s better than ever.