LAS VEGAS – After a rough start to his MMA career, Enzo Perez thinks he’s on the doorstep of joining the UFC bantamweight division.
Perez (6-3) lost three of five fights to begin his professional run in the sport, but he has rallied with four straight wins. He said hard work refusing to “get down on myself” was the key to his turnaround, and now he’s set to fight for the inaugural 135-pound title under the Anthony Pettis FC (APFC) banner, which is run by the former UFC and WEC champion.
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With a showdown against Gabriel Wanderley (6-2) set for APFC 23 on March 29 at Landmark Credit Union Live in Milwaukee, Wis., Perez is looking to put his slow start even further in the rear-view and put himself firmly on the radar.
“The mentality, the mindset and I’ve had tough fights. All my fights have been tough and that’s where the record comes from,” Perez told MMA Junkie. “I haven’t had easy matchups. Everybody I’ve fought is in the UFC or has some type of title already. It was just a matter of time (before I got the wins).”
Perez, 29, has UFC aspirations like every other fighter in the sport. He hopes to deliver a performance that will lead to an outright contract offer, or at worst, an opportunity to compete for one on Dana White’s Contender Series this summer.
“I believe this is my last fight before the UFC,” Perez said. “I have fought the who’s who of the game. I believe that after this fight I will be in the UFC. Contender Series will be fine, or the UFC. I’m honestly ready for either or. Based on my experience and based on the guys I have fought, I can compete in either one.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Enzo Perez sees Anthony Pettis FC title fight as last stop before UFC
