Smilla Sundell Defeats Alex Pereira’s Sister, Earns UFC Contract
Former ONE Championship Muay Thai champion Smilla Sundell has secured a UFC contract after defeating Aline Pereira, sister of UFC star Alex Pereira, at Dana White’s Contender Series in Las Vegas. Sundell won the women’s bantamweight bout by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 29-28.
The 21-year-old controlled much of the three-round contest with forward pressure and striking combinations. Although Pereira landed counters and scored a takedown in the third round, Sundell recovered and continued attacking until the final bell.
UFC CEO Dana White initially had reservations about signing Sundell, believing she needed more experience, but matchmaker Mick Maynard convinced him otherwise. Sundell, who has competed in combat sports since she was 12, insisted she was ready for the challenge, saying she knows what it takes to fight and believes she belongs in the UFC.
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