A UFC fighter is facing backlash after an unexpected post-fight celebration that involved twerking in her opponent’s face, sparking controversy across social media. Ailín Pérez, a rising star in the Women’s Bantamweight division, secured a dominant victory over Russia’s Darya Zheleznyakova during the UFC Paris event on September 28, 2023. However, it wasn’t her performance in the octagon that stole the headlines—it was her choice to twerk in front of her defeated opponent, a move that divided fans and critics alike.
A Controversial Celebration in the UFC
The UFC is known for its intense rivalries and trash-talking athletes, with stars like Conor McGregor setting the tone for pre-fight antics and bravado. However, most fighters put aside the trash talk once the fight is over, often embracing each other in mutual respect. But that wasn’t the case for Pérez, whose victory dance left fans and fellow fighters questioning her sportsmanship.
After securing a first-round submission win, Pérez shocked the crowd by twerking in Zheleznyakova’s face while the Russian fighter was still on the ground. The unexpected and provocative move sparked immediate controversy, with many calling her actions disrespectful and unprofessional.
Weigh-In Drama Adds to the Tension
The fight itself was already marred by pre-match drama. Both Pérez and Zheleznyakova missed the 136-pound bantamweight limit at their official weigh-in, according to the New York Post. Concerns over Pérez’s health arose when footage surfaced of her visibly shaking on the UFC scale, raising eyebrows about her physical condition heading into the fight.
Despite the weight controversy and the concerns about her condition, Pérez dominated her opponent inside the octagon, securing a submission win in the very first round. But instead of basking in the glow of her victory, her post-fight antics quickly overshadowed her performance.
Social Media Backlash
Pérez’s twerking celebration drew widespread criticism from fans and fellow fighters alike, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval. One user commented, “She missed weight, she got to fight because of her opponent agreeing to catch weight. Now this? Low class.” Another added, “She is a classless bum. To have the nerve to grandstand with such unprofessionalism after missing weight? Total trash of a human being.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Many fans pointed out that Pérez had already been given a second chance after missing weight, only to act in a way that they deemed disrespectful. One fan wrote, “Nasty. Trashy. Unprofessional. Says everything you need to know about the woman’s character.”
However, not all the reactions were negative. Some found humor in the situation, with one fan remarking, “Having someone twerk in your face after getting finished is the ultimate disrespect, wow.” While the move was undoubtedly controversial, it did spark conversations around what counts as sportsmanship in a high-stakes sport like the UFC.
Pérez’s Post-Fight Remarks
After the fight, Pérez expressed her excitement about competing in Paris and explained why this victory was particularly meaningful to her. Speaking to TalkSport, she shared, “I’m super happy to be participating in UFC Paris and like I always say, I want to be the protagonist of every show that I’m at—for the fans and for the UFC.”
Pérez also noted that she was glad to fight a less-experienced opponent, compared to her usual matchups against UFC veterans. “Since I started in the UFC, they’ve been giving me a lot of veterans that have at least five fights. So it was nice to be able to get a fighter that was a little bit less challenging compared to the rest, so I could show myself and really get a highlight win instead of winning by decision against harder, more challenging fighters.”
Despite her excitement and eagerness to make an impact, her celebratory twerking did not sit well with many of the UFC’s fans, and it remains to be seen how this will affect her future in the organization.
Sportsmanship vs. Showmanship in the UFC
😳 😢 Ailin Perez gets emotional while shaking on the scales. Missed weight by 0.5 pounds. pic.twitter.com/lTL2VxEOTc
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 27, 2024
The UFC has long walked the line between athleticism and entertainment. Fighters like Conor McGregor have elevated trash talk and flashy behavior to an art form, often drawing fans with their brash personalities just as much as their skill in the octagon. However, there’s typically an unspoken rule that once the fight is over, the respect comes into play.
Pérez’s post-fight antics have reignited the debate over where the line between sportsmanship and showmanship should be drawn. While some fans appreciate the entertainment factor, many feel that twerking in a defeated opponent’s face crosses a line.
Will There Be Consequences for Pérez?
AILIN PEREZ WINS BY SUBMISSION AND TWERKS ON HER OPPONENT AFTERWARDS 😭😭#UFCParis #UFC #MMA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 28, 2024
pic.twitter.com/996Wzixnyl
Only time will tell if Pérez faces any consequences for her behavior. While the UFC encourages fighters to develop their personas and entertain the fans, it’s clear that many within the MMA community view her actions as disrespectful. The negative comments from both fans and professionals suggest that Pérez may need to rethink her post-fight celebrations if she wants to maintain a positive reputation within the sport.
That said, the UFC is no stranger to controversy. Fighters have built entire careers on their ability to generate buzz, and Pérez’s antics have certainly succeeded in getting people talking. Whether this attention will help or hurt her in the long run remains to be seen.
A Divided Fan Base
Pérez’s twerking celebration has left the MMA community divided. While some see it as a bold move that adds flair to the sport, others view it as a classless display that undermines the values of respect and sportsmanship. The incident has sparked conversations about what is acceptable in the world of professional fighting and how far athletes should go to entertain fans.
Conclusion: The Fine Line Between Entertainment and Disrespect
Ailín Pérez’s post-fight twerking incident has sparked intense debate in the world of MMA, bringing attention to the fine line between entertainment and disrespect in professional sports. While Pérez delivered an impressive victory in the octagon, her celebratory antics have left many questioning her sportsmanship. As the UFC continues to evolve as both a sport and a spectacle, fighters like Pérez will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the future of its culture.
Whether Pérez will continue to embrace her controversial style or adjust her approach remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—she has certainly made an impression. Only time will tell if she can win back the respect of fans and fellow fighters or if she will face further backlash as her career progresses.
