Cristian Perez Makes Good on Second Chance in Contender Series with Explosive KO

Cristian Perez (15-2 MMA, 1-1 DWCS) was part of a recurring theme of fighters on DWCS 88 Tuesday night. Out of the 10 fighters who were scheduled to appear in the event, five were making a return trip to the Meta Apex in Enterprise, NV, Perez included.

When fans first saw Perez in the midweek MMA promotion, it was 51 weeks ago Wednesday. That evening, he drew the assignment of Manoel Sousa (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC,) with the latter winning by unanimous decision after 15 minutes.

At the end of the night's activities inside Meta Apex, UFC CEO Dana White awarded Sousa a UFC deal, leaving Cristian Perez to Mexico for a fight in EXF 23 earlier this year. A first-round knockout win over Gilberto Santos meant that Dana White's Contender Series would be calling for the second time in as many years with a spot on the Aug. 18 show.

Cristian Perez Takes Care of Unfinished Business in DWCS 88 Tuesday

Logan Paxton (10-2 MMA, 0-1 DWCS) served as the adversary for Cristian Perez' second chance at a UFC contract Tuesday evening. Round one of a scheduled three saw Perez biding his time, exchanging blows with Paxton before he landed some shots to the body less than two minutes into the fight. 

Although Perez absorbed some crisp punches from Paxton and got taken down, he quickly returned to his feet. With about a minute to go in the first round, Cristian Perez stuffed another takedown effort from Logan Paxton. As the opening round neared its end, the DWCS telecast showed a graphic indicating that Cristian Perez was being outpaced in significant strikes by a narrow 27-21 margin.

Not long after the command to fight was given to begin round two of the contest, Cristian Perez stalked his opponent, wobbling him with a vicious left hook. While Logan Paxton attempted to return fire, Perez continued to apply the pressure with combinations, ultimately scoring with another left hook to put Paxton on the canvas, ending the bout with ground and pound strikes.

Dana White Invites Cristian Perez to Noche UFC Upon Awarding Him Contract

After the completion of the evening's activities, Paul Felder interviewed Dana White backstage. All told, six out of the 10 contestants who fought on DWCS 88 Tuesday night would receive UFC contracts, Cristian Perez included. 

As Dana White was announcing that Cristian Perez would become one of the newest members of the UFC's active roster, he also mentioned that he'd want to see Perez back in action in a few short weeks.

"All right, Perez, incredible fight, again, two very tough, durable guys," White said. "Cristian Perez could not look any better than he did tonight. Actually, what I would love to do, I hope he wants to fight on UFC Noche. I'd love to throw him on the Noche card."

Noche UFC 4 is set for Sept 12 in Glendale, AZ at Desert Diamond Arena. The proposal by White to have Cristian Perez fight on that card was met with a smile from the victorious Perez, with Dana White reiterating his wishes to Perez upon meeting him after the announcement. 

Cristian Perez on Dana White's Offer

Subsequent to Dana White announcing the contract winners, Cristian Perez was interviewed by Paul Felder on the broadcast. Accompanied by his translator, Perez mentioned that it's not a question of who he fights.

"I'm very happy and very grateful at this moment for the UFC, with Dana," Perez said. "All I want is to fight. I'm ready to fight. All you have to do is put me up to fight and I'll be ready for it."