History is poised to unfold inside the octagon. At just 19 years of age, Alice Pereira is set to become the youngest female athlete to ever compete under the UFC banner. Her highly anticipated debut is confirmed for Noche UFC 3, scheduled to take place on September 13th at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Pereira, known as “Golden Girl,” brings an impressive, undefeated professional record into the sport`s premier promotion. Her journey has been remarkably swift. In her most recent outing in December, she captured the Cage Masters FC bantamweight title, showcasing her readiness for higher competition. Less than two weeks following that victory, the UFC`s matchmaker extended an invitation – a direct call-up indicating the promotion`s significant interest in her potential.
Standing across the octagon from Pereira will be Montserrat Rendon. This marks Rendon`s third appearance for the UFC. After securing a win in her promotional debut, Rendon faced a setback in her most recent bout in March 2024. Notably, she steps into this contest after an 18-month layoff from active competition, adding an interesting dynamic to the matchup against the surging, youthful talent.
This specific fight joins a compelling lineup for Noche UFC 3, a card headlined by a significant featherweight clash between Diego Lopes and Jean Silva. While the main event draws considerable attention, the presence of Alice Pereira on the preliminary or main card introduces a unique narrative: the acid test for a teenage phenom on the sport`s biggest stage.
The technical challenge for Pereira will be adapting her skills and composure to the high-pressure environment of the UFC octagon. For Rendon, the task involves shaking off ring rust and utilizing her prior experience within the promotion. San Antonio will witness not just another fight, but potentially the beginning of a significant career for the UFC`s youngest female participant. The speed with which the UFC has signed Pereira underscores their confidence and the exciting, albeit slightly impatient, hunt for future stars.
