Aline Pereira heads to octagon this October with the biggest opportunity of her MMA career after securing a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series.
According to Brazilian MMA journalist Leo Guimaraes, Pereira will face rising prospect Smilla Sundell on the October 13 DWCS card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The matchup could determine whether the younger sister of former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira earns a coveted UFC contract.
“EXCLUSIVE: I was able to confirm that Aline Pereira, sister of Alex Poatan, has been scheduled to fight on the Contender Series on October 13. The plan is for the Brazilian to face Smilla Sundell,” Guimaraes wrote on X.
The bout marks a major step forward for Pereira, who has steadily built her MMA résumé since making her professional debut in 2022. While her 3-2 record may not jump off the page, she brings extensive striking experience from both kickboxing and Karate Combat.
Pereira enters the fight riding momentum after a split-decision victory over Jade Masson-Wong at MVP MMA 1 in May, the biggest win of her career to date. Beyond MMA, she owns a 6-2 kickboxing record and remains unbeaten at 3-0 in Karate Combat.
Having one of the UFC’s biggest stars as her brother certainly brings additional attention to her journey. However, Pereira will need to prove herself inside the cage against a dangerous opponent if she hopes to secure a place on the UFC roster.
While Pereira carries the famous “Poatan” surname, her opponent may be one of the toughest prospects on this season’s Contender Series.
Sundell, 21, is widely regarded as one of the most promising young female fighters transitioning into MMA. The Swedish standout built her reputation in ONE Championship, where she compiled an impressive Muay Thai career highlighted by a 36-5-1 record and 23 knockout victories.
Since making the move to MMA earlier this year, Sundell has looked equally dangerous. She owns a 2-0 professional record with both wins coming by knockout under the Tuff-N-Uff banner in Las Vegas.
The matchup pits two accomplished strikers against each other and has all the ingredients to become one of the most exciting fights on the card. Sundell’s youth, size, and knockout power present a significant challenge, while Pereira’s experience across multiple combat sports gives her a valuable edge heading into the contest.
For Pereira, this fight represents more than just another appearance. It is a chance to follow her brother’s path and earn a spot on the world’s biggest MMA stage.
The Brazilian has spent much of her MMA journey training alongside Alex Pereira, one of the UFC’s most recognizable stars. Now, she has the opportunity to create her own legacy.
