Alice Pereira has signed for the UFC at just 19 years old.
The Brazilian bantamweight already boasts an undefeated professional MMA record of 6-0 despite her young age.
Since making her pro debut in 2023, she has attracted significant attention in the combat sports world.
Now, just one year later, she has secured a contract with the UFC, and was informed of the good news on Christmas Eve.
Though not directly related to UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, Alice shares both a surname and nationality with him, and possesses similar knockout power.
Just 10 days ago, after winning her sixth fight in a row, Alice personally campaigned to UFC Vice President Mick Maynard.
She made a compelling case, telling him she ‘deserved’ to sign with his organisation—and her persistence has certainly paid off.
Best of all, Alice’s wish was granted on Christmas Eve, marking quite possibly the best present she’s ever received during the festive period.
“A very merry Christmas present to the newly signed, undefeated Alice Pereira,” the UFC’s official Instagram account posted on Tuesday along with a video of Maynard calling to deliver the good news.
“I want to wish you a Merry Christmas,” Maynard says in the video. “And, hey, congratulations you’re in. Welcome to the UFC.”
Alice responded with a shocked gasp, responding: “Really? Oh my God. Thank you, thank you so much.”
Known as ‘Golden Girl’, Alice remains undefeated in her professional MMA career, with four of her six victories coming by way of first-round KO.
After her most recent win over Samara Santos under the Cage Masters FC banner, she spoke directly to Maynard in the aftermath.
“Mick, I won my sixth fight in a row, this time against a former One FC challenger with over 20 fights in her career,” Alice said on Instagram.
“I dominated the fight for 25 minutes, I gave two knockdowns, four takedowns, strong Superman punches, flying knees.
“I have all the necessary exams for UFC, I have a passport, my numbers speak louder than me.
“I deserve UFC!”
Many fans speculated that Alice might be the sister of UFC’s star Pereira when news broke that she was joining Dana White’s roster.
However, this is not the case.
Aline Pereira is the sister of Alex, and she is also pursuing a career in MMA.
She grew up in Sao Paulo alongside her brother and three other siblings, training in martial arts from a young age.
In October, Aline made headlines after knocking out her opponent with a devastating left hook in the first round of her Karate Combat debut.
Much like her brother, Aline initially competed in kickboxing, having fought in the GLORY promotion before transitioning to MMA.
Aline went 21-3 as an amateur kickboxer before turning professional. She only had two fights with GLORY, winning one and losing the other.
As for Alice, the buzz around Brazil’s 19-year-old prospect is growing.
MMA fans are already calling her a ‘future UFC monster’, and excitement is building as she joins the UFC’s ranks.
Julianna Pena is the current UFC bantamweight champion, with Raquel Pennington and Kayla Harrison other top contenders in her brand-new division.