Ailin Perez offers to serve as backup for Harrison vs. Nunes at UFC 334

Ailin Perez has put her name forward as a backup fighter for the UFC 334 women's bantamweight title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, set for November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Argentine contender, ranked fifth in the division at 13-2, publicly volunteered for the role while pointing to Harrison's recent neck surgery and Nunes' age as reasons a replacement could be needed before fight night. Perez made clear she intends to be prepared and available should the main event require a late substitute.

At 31, Perez has built a reputation as a well-rounded threat. Standing five-foot-five with a 66-inch reach, she lands 2.88 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate and averages an impressive 4.9 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that makes her a credible option in any title-picture conversation.

Before any backup role becomes a reality, however, Perez must handle business at UFC Vegas 121, where she faces Norma Dumont. Dumont, ranked fourth in the division at 13-3, is a durable Brazilian striker who lands 3.89 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy. The matchup figures to be a meaningful one in its own right given both women's positions in the bantamweight standings.

Nunes, for her part, carries a 23-5 record and has long been one of the most prolific finishers in UFC history. The 38-year-old Brazilian averages 4.55 significant strikes per minute and remains a force at 135 pounds.

Why it matters

• A win over fourth-ranked Dumont would strengthen Perez's case to be considered a legitimate backup for a title fight.
• Harrison's neck surgery introduces genuine uncertainty around UFC 334's main event, making backup planning a reasonable precaution.
• Perez's combination of striking accuracy and elite takedown volume makes her a stylistically dangerous replacement option for either champion or challenger.