Ailin Perez has warned that she will not face Macy Chiasson at UFC Mexico City if her opponent misses the bantamweight limit. The No. 7-ranked fighter cited Chiasson's history of weight issues and her recent observations at the UFC Performance Institute. Meanwhile, Chiasson has focused on intense altitude training and dismissed Perez's mind games ahead of their February 28, 2026, bout.
The upcoming UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh event in Mexico City features a key women's bantamweight matchup between Ailin Perez and Macy Chiasson on February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX. Perez, riding a five-fight win streak, expressed strong reservations about proceeding if Chiasson fails to make the 135-pound limit. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Perez stated, "I don’t see Macy beating me in any way or any area... If she doesn’t make weight, I won’t fight." She noted Chiasson's size, saying, "I see her every day at the UFC PI, and I see she’s very big," and referenced Chiasson's past misses, including two official failures and two catchweight bouts, such as with Ketlen Vieira.
Perez, who has prepared for three months, emphasized no excuses would be accepted, adding that she preferred other opponents like Norma Dumont, calling Chiasson "very boring and ugly." She predicted a finish similar to her performance in France.
Chiasson, ranked No. 8, enters after a challenging 2025 marked by two losses and the birth of her first child, now eight months old. In a UFC.com interview, she described her preparation as the hardest of her career, incorporating marathon training for Mexico City's altitude: "I put in over 30 miles a week of running... close to 40 miles, on top of training." The 34-year-old Dallas native highlighted her 72.5-inch reach and a game plan to utilize length against Perez's wrestling, stating, "I really see myself frustrating this girl."
Addressing Perez's provocations, Chiasson remained unfazed: "She’s been trying to get to me a little bit... But I’m here on a mission." A victory could position Chiasson for rematches, including with Irene Aldana, from whom she suffered a liver up-kick loss in 2022. UFC officials will monitor weigh-ins closely to ensure the bout proceeds.