LAS VEGAS — Smilla Sundell entered Dana White’s Contender Series looking to secure a UFC contract. She left with an undefeated professional MMA record, a victory over Aline Silva Pereira and an opportunity that even UFC CEO Dana White initially questioned.
The 21-year-old Swedish prospect improved to 3-0 after defeating Pereira (3-3) by unanimous decision during the Season 10 finale at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. All three judges scored the women’s bantamweight contest 29-28 in favor of Sundell, who maintained an aggressive pace throughout the three-round matchup.
Adding to the anticipation surrounding the fight was the presence of former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira, who helped corner his younger sister alongside former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira. Aline had hoped to join her brother on the UFC roster, but Sundell’s performance ended those aspirations for the night.
Dana White Outvoted on Sundell’s UFC Contract
Despite Sundell’s victory, White initially believed the young prospect needed additional experience before competing at the UFC level.
However, UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard saw things differently.
White praised Sundell’s performance but expressed concerns about her age and limited professional MMA experience. Maynard pushed for her signing, believing she possessed the talent to compete in the women’s division.
“I’ve been outvoted tonight. Welcome to the UFC,” White announced during the contract ceremony.
Sundell was among four fighters awarded contracts during the season finale, bringing the Season 10 total to 46 and tying the program’s record for most contracts awarded in a single season.
Sundell Reflects on Performance Despite Victory
Although she accomplished her goal of earning a UFC contract, Sundell admitted during her post-fight news conference that she was not completely satisfied with her performance.
“I always try to look for a knockout,” Sundell said, explaining that she struggled to connect with some of her strikes as Pereira moved around the Octagon.
A former ONE Championship Muay Thai world champion, Sundell entered the matchup with considerable striking experience but only two previous professional MMA appearances.
Her aggressive approach allowed her to control much of the action, using forward pressure, combinations and knees to disrupt Pereira’s offense.
However, Pereira found opportunities to counter and successfully took Sundell down during the third round before the Swedish fighter returned to her feet.
Sundell acknowledged that developing her grappling remains a priority as she prepares for the UFC.
“The ground game, I’m working on it every day,” she said, adding that she occasionally competes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments to gain experience.
Alex Pereira Shares a Moment With Sundell
Following the decision, Sundell shared a brief moment with Alex Pereira, whose accomplishments inside the Octagon have made him one of MMA’s most recognizable figures.
Sundell said she shook Pereira’s hand after the fight and believed he congratulated her on the performance.
She also revealed that she met the former champion the previous day, took a picture with him and received his well wishes ahead of the matchup.
Despite defeating his sister, Sundell expressed her admiration for Pereira and appreciation for the interaction.
Championship Aspirations and Representing Sweden
With her UFC contract secured, Sundell is already looking toward the future, although she understands that competing against established fighters will require continued development.
“The end goal is always to be the champ,” Sundell said.
Rather than immediately challenging the division’s highest-ranked contenders, Sundell said she would prefer a gradual introduction to the UFC rankings.
“I think I need to ease my way into the rankings,” she said.
Sundell also reflected on the responsibility of representing Sweden on MMA’s biggest stage, mentioning Alexander Gustafsson and Khamzat Chimaev as fighters whose accomplishments she hopes to emulate.
While her long-term objective remains championship gold, Sundell emphasized the importance of taking her career one fight at a time.
For now, the newest addition to the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division plans to celebrate with family members who traveled from Sweden and friends who made the trip from Vancouver.
And her preferred victory meal?
McDonald’s.
At just 21 years old, Sundell has already captured a world championship in Muay Thai, defeated the sister of one of the UFC’s biggest stars and earned a contract despite White’s initial reservations.
Her next challenge will be proving that the UFC matchmakers made the right decision.
