Ailin Perez faced adversity leading up to her recent unanimous decision victory against Lucie Pudilova at UFC Vegas 82. Sporting a black eye during fight week, the story behind it has now surfaced, revealing a shocking altercation between Perez and her coach at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas.
While conflicting accounts circulate about the incident, Perez alleges that the confrontation was initiated by fellow UFC fighter Joselyn Edwards, fueled by comments Perez made on social media regarding Edwards’ previous fight.
Perez clarified her stance at the post-fight press conference, expressing that she stated her opinion online without disrespecting anyone. According to Perez, Edwards physically assaulted her with the intent to force her withdrawal from the upcoming bout. Despite the assault, Perez persevered, crediting her coach for preventing more severe injuries and ensuring the fight proceeded.
Ailin Perez Explains Being Physically Assaulted by Joselyn Edwards
Edwards provides a different perspective, asserting that Perez’s coach, Javier Oyarzabal, not only provoked the fight but also choked her during the altercation. Edwards claims that Oyarzabal attacked her from behind, initiating the brawl.
Amanda Ribas‘ manager, Alex Davis, who witnessed the incident at the UFC PI, confirms that Perez’s coach was on the brink of choking Edwards unconscious during the altercation. Davis intervened to break up the fight, expressing concern about the severity of the choke. He states that if the choke persisted, it could have led to a dangerous outcome.
Despite the tumultuous lead-up, Perez fought admirably and secured a victory over Lucie Pudilova, bringing her UFC record to 2-1. In contrast, Edwards is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Nora Cornolle, leaving her with a 4-3 record in the promotion.
As for potential repercussions for those involved in the brawl, it remains unclear at this stage. The aftermath of this incident adds a layer of complexity to the narratives surrounding these fighters, bringing attention to the need for resolution and accountability within the UFC community.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
