The UFC has arranged a contingency plan for its November 14 title defense at Madison Square Garden. According to Bloody Elbow, Ailin Perez has volunteered to serve as a backup fighter for UFC 334’s women’s bantamweight championship bout between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, should either champion become unavailable.
Perez is scheduled to face Norma Dumont at UFC Vegas 121 on Saturday at the Meta Apex. The Argentine fighter, ranked among the division’s top five contenders, told Hablemos MMA that she intends to defeat Dumont and position herself for the potential backup role.
“I feel ready, and not just to fight for the belt, but also to be the backup,” Perez said. “I’m ready to replace Kayla or Amanda should the UFC need someone in November.”
Perez cited specific concerns about both title contenders’ availability. “Kayla is coming off a neck surgery, and Amanda is older now,” she noted. “What happens is someone gets hurt in the weight cut, or something happens. Ailin Perez will be ready.”
Harrison’s injury history has already impacted the matchup once. According to the report, the original Harrison-Nunes fight was scheduled for January but fell through due to the champion’s injury. The rescheduled bout now takes place at UFC 334, with Josh Hokit challenging Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title in the main event.
Perez’s offer to step in comes as she seeks to extend her winning streak to seven fights. By defeating Dumont this weekend, she could strengthen her case for either a direct title shot or the backup position. The UFC Vegas 121 event will culminate with a bantamweight main event featuring Raul Rosas Jr. facing Raoni Barcelos.
Key facts
- UFC 334 is scheduled for November 14 at Madison Square Garden
- Ailin Perez has offered to be a backup fighter for the Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes bantamweight title bout
- Perez fights Norma Dumont at UFC Vegas 121 on Saturday
- Kayla Harrison is recovering from neck surgery
- The original Harrison-Nunes fight was cancelled in January due to Harrison’s injury