Ailin Perez fires back at unfair critics claiming shes unworthy of UFC ti

A lot has been said about Ailin Perez's seventh consecutive win. And although extending a streak in the UFC that far should be beyond impressive, much of the talk surrounding her has not been positive.

This past Saturday, Perez (14-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) defeated top contender Norma Dumont by unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 289 in Las Vegas. A lot was said between the two in the build-up, and it was easily the most heated matchup of the weekend. Yet, despite all the bad blood, the bout lacked action, and which drew criticism, along with Perez's call for a UFC title shot.

Perez is well aware of the critics, but she doesn't regret building up the fight and generating a rivalry with Dumont, nor her showing in the cage.

"Whether you like it or not, people are talking about me, and that's what I need to fight for the belt," Perez told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. "They're not talking about the main event or the other knockouts. They're talking about Ailin Perez. Good or bad, people are talking about Ailin Perez. I went up over 100,000 followers in two days. I did a ton of media and interviews. Am I missing knockouts and finishes? Yes, obviously. I'm not going to make excuses. But I'm always looking to do my best to win and entertain the crowd. That's what generates virality and attention in the UFC. If you don't like it, look away."

One of the critics was none other than women's MMA GOAT and former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes, who Perez has come after in the media in past interviews. Perez takes pride in invoking emotion from Nunes, who's largely remained uninterested in the division outside her upcoming title fight with Kayla Harrison on Nov. 14 at UFC 334.

"She's very upset and mad at me," Perez said. "She responds to my stories and messages on Instagram. I'm in her head like I was with Norma. She shares her opinion because she wants to fight me. She's very upset, and because she wanted to fight against Norma and not me. If she's so tough and so mad at me, let's fight. We can sort this out in the cage. I have no problem fighting Amanda Nunes. I want those fights. She's clearly watching me. I'll fight her."

UFC commentators and analysts expressed their frustrations with the Perez vs. Dumont fight on the broadcast. Some, such as Paul Felder, don't believe Perez deserves a title opportunity given the nature of the fight. The Argentine finds these comments to be unfair, as she believes she's put in the work to merit a title opportunity against the winner of Harrison vs. Nunes.

"I think they're unfair; I think they're unfair," Perez said. "Who else will they give the title shot to if it's not me? Who's 7-0? Who else? I don't have any losses in this weight class. I've fought and beaten two girls in the top five and two others in the top 10. There's nobody else to fight."

Prior to UFC Vegas 121, Perez had called to be the backup for the UFC 334 women's bantamweight title. That desire still remains on top of getting the winner. Perez feels she's earned the spot with her 7-0 run that includes notable wins over ranked opposition such as Joselyne Edwards, Macy Chiasson, Karol Rosa, and now Dumont.

"I'm the No. 1 contender in the division, and the UFC knows I want that fight, and we're in negotiations," Perez said. "I'm in great condition. I have no fractures, I'm clean, and I'm ready to be the backup fighter in case either can't fight. I'm waiting. It was a great victory, 7-0, and I should be next to fight for the title. I have the longest win streak in the rankings. I beat girls in the top five: Joselyne Edwards and Norma. I beat two in the top 10: Macy Chiasson and Karol Rosa. I don't know who else to beat to get the title shot. If Julianna Peña wants to fight, I'll fight her, but I don't think it's fair with all the victories I've had and her being inactive. But I'll fight Julianna Peña because I think she's a big name and it's an easy fight."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ailin Perez fires back at 'unfair' critics claiming she's unworthy of UFC title shot