Many MMA fans might not know the name Erik Perez (12-4), however this highly talented Greg Jackson trained product is taking the UFC’s bantamweight division by storm.
He made his UFC debut on June 1 at The Ultimate Fighter Live Finale and beat John Albert by Verbal Submission (Armbar). He then went on to fight just two months later at UFC 150 where he knocked out Ken Stone in just 17-seconds. With that knockout Perez earned himself the title of “Fastest Knockout in UFC/WEC Bantamweight history”. MMASucka.com had the chance to chat with Perez and he spoke about the record.
“I fight to win, and always hope to put up a good show for the fans. I think it was a beautiful finish. I’m proud of it. But at the same time, I know that there’s a lot of work that has to be done in the gym.”
The man born in Monterrey, Mexico will fight for the third time inside the Octagon at UFC 155 against Byron Bloodworth. Perez is currently riding a seven fight winning streak and the pressure is obviously on to keep the win streak alive.
“There’s always some pressure, but I prefer not to think about it. Step by step, I will reach my goal of becoming a champion in the UFC.”
The fighter who sits on top of the pedestal in the bantamweight division, Dominick Cruz, is currently injured and expected to be out for 6-9 months due to a knee injury. Renan Barao will defend his Interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC on Fuel TV 7 in February against Michael McDonald. With the interim title being put on the line, a win for Perez could inch him that much closer to a bantamweight title shot.
“This would be my third victory in the UFC, so obviously this gets me closer to a title shot. However, I know that I still have plenty to prove, and a couple of other opponents I need to beat before fighting for the title. It’s a step by step process. I know that if I continue winning, the UFC will give me a title shot. My goal is to be a champion, and I’ll reach it sooner or later. If you don’t want to be a champion, you probably shouldn’t be fighting.”
Perez trains out of Greg Jackson’s MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The camp has many well rounded fighters, which just furthers Perez ability to learn and improve.
“I’ve been training a lot with Diego Brandao, who will be in my corner at UFC 155. With all those great fighters I can train with at Jackson’s I’m sure I have enough tools to deal with Bloodworth on December 29th.”
Most times when a fighter is asked how they will finish the fight, they say that they can not predict that, nor do they want to. Bloodworth lost his UFC debut against Mike Easton back in October of 2011. Funny enough, Bloodworth was expected to take on John Albert in his next match, but when he pulled out due to injury, Perez was the man to replace him on short notice. Even though he is 0-1 inside the Octagon, he definitely has many tools to bring to the table.
“MMA is not Boxing or Kickboxing. So I know I can finish the fight via KO or Submission. I’m ready for both. Bloodworth is a tough fighter, he has good jiu-jitsu and good hands, but I know I can do well against him.”
