TLDR
- Smilla Sundell defeated Aline Pereira by unanimous decision (29-28 x3) at Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10
- UFC CEO Dana White initially didn’t want to sign Sundell due to her limited MMA experience, but matchmaker Mick Maynard convinced him
- The 21-year-old former ONE Championship muay Thai champion controlled the pace for most of the fight with forward pressure
- Pereira scored a takedown in round three and landed effective counter punches but couldn’t overcome Sundell’s volume
- Sundell defended her readiness by noting she has competed in combat sports since age 12
Sources: sherdog.com | lowkickmma.com
Smilla Sundell defeated Aline Pereira by unanimous decision to earn a UFC contract at Week 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10 in Las Vegas on October 13, 2026. All three judges scored the women’s bantamweight fight 29-28 in favor of the Swedish fighter.
Sundell improved her undefeated record to 3-0 while Pereira dropped to 3-3. The 21-year-old former ONE Championship muay Thai titleholder pressed forward from the opening bell and kept constant pressure on her Brazilian opponent.
Alex Pereira's sister, Aline Pereira, just lost to Smilla Sundell on the Contender Series
(29-28 x3) #DWCS pic.twitter.com/KJuVHOox0x
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 14, 2026
The Swedish fighter used her muay Thai background to control the pace for the first two rounds. She landed knees to the body in the clinch and mixed her strikes effectively to keep Pereira on the defensive.
Pereira found success with counter punches and landed several left hooks throughout the fight. She also scored a takedown in the third round, though Sundell quickly returned to her feet.
Contract Awarded Despite CEO’s Hesitation
UFC CEO Dana White initially had reservations about signing Sundell to the promotion. He felt the young fighter needed more experience outside the UFC before joining the roster.
Matchmaker Mick Maynard convinced White to offer Sundell a contract despite those concerns. The decision came after Sundell’s performance showed her striking skills and ability to maintain pressure for three rounds.
Some fans argued that Pereira deserved the win based on visible damage to Sundell’s face. However, judges awarded the fight to Sundell based on her higher strike output and control of the pace.
Fighter Defends Her Readiness
At the postfight news conference, Sundell addressed questions about her limited MMA experience. She pointed to her extensive combat sports background dating back to childhood.
“I have been fighting since I was 12,” Sundell said. “I know how it is to fight and I know how it is to get hit.”
The Swedish fighter insisted her years in combat sports prepared her for the UFC level. “I have been taken down. I know I belong here,” she told reporters.
Sundell controlled most of the fight with forward pressure and landed a devastating knee to Pereira’s head when the Brazilian attempted another takedown late in the third round. Her muay Thai credentials include holding the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Pereira is the sister of current UFC fighter Alex Pereira. She entered the Contender Series looking to follow her brother into the promotion but fell short in the unanimous decision.
The fight lasted all 15 minutes with both fighters exchanging strikes throughout. Sundell’s ability to maintain her output and pressure for three full rounds helped secure the victory on the scorecards.
Sundell now joins the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division. She will look to continue her undefeated streak when the promotion books her first official UFC fight.
