Erik Pérez

Erik Gregorio Pérez Ruvalcaba (born November 19, 1989) is a Mexican mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. A professional competitor since 2008, he has competed for Bellator MMA, Shark Fights, BAMMA, UFC and Combate Americas.

Personal life
Erik Pérez was born in México. Pérez grew from a family of sportsmen; his older brother Jorge Pérez is a professional boxer, while his brothers Iván Pérez, and Jair Pérez both are fellow mixed martial artists. Érik, Iván, and Jair all three fought together in Combate Americas.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Upon his permanent move to United States, Erik Pérez established a full-time training camp at Jackson's MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pérez faced John Albert on June 1, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale replacing Byron Bloodworth who was removed from the bout. Pérez won the fight via controversial armbar submission as Albert did not appear to verbally submit or tap out but the fight was stopped by referee Kim Winslow.

Pérez next faced Ken Stone on August 11, 2012, at UFC 150. He won via first-round KO in 17 seconds. With this win, Pérez obtained the fastest Bantamweight knockout in UFC and WEC Bantamweight history, beating Damacio Page's 18-second KO over Marcos Galvao.

Pérez fought Byron Bloodworth on December 29, 2012, at UFC 155. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Pérez was expected to face Johnny Bedford on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159. However, Pérez pulled out of the bout just days before the event citing an injury and was replaced by Bryan Caraway.

Pérez faced Takeya Mizugaki on August 28, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 27 He lost the fight via split decision.

Pérez next faced Edwin Figueroa at UFC 167. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Pérez faced Bryan Caraway on June 7, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 42. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

Pérez was expected to face Marcus Brimage on November 15, 2014, at UFC 180. However, Pérez pulled out of the bout in mid-October citing a shoulder injury.

Pérez was briefly linked to a fight with Damian Stasiak on November 21, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale. However, Stasiak was removed from the bout and replaced by Taylor Lapilus. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Pérez next faced Francisco Rivera on July 30, 2016, at UFC 201. He won the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision.

Pérez faced Felipe Arantes on November 5, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. He was awarded a split decision victory. Perez signed with Combate Americas on October 31, 2017, after fighting out his contract with the UFC.

Combate Americas
Following his departure from the UFC, Pérez signed a multi-fight contract with Combate Americas. On March 15, 2018, it was announced that Pérez would be fighting against top-ranked fighter in Texas, David "DJ" Fuentes. The fight took place on April 20, and Erik won the fight by knockout.

Pérez was expected to headline Combate Americas Mexico vs. USA against John Castañeda on October 13, 2018, but the bout was postponed to a later date because Castaneda caught staph infection.

Pérez then headlined Combate Americas Combate Monterrey on November 17, 2018, against Andres Ayala. He won the fight via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Bellator MMA
Following a two-fight stint at Combate Americas, Pérez signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA.

Pérez made his promotional debut against Toby Misech at Bellator 236 on December 20, 2019. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Pérez faced Josh Hill at Bellator 244 on August 21, 2020. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Pérez was expected to face Brian Moore at Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021. However, Moore tested positive for COVID and pulled out of the bout. He was replaced by Blaine Shutt. Pérez won the bout via unanimous decision.

Pérez was scheduled to face Brett Johns on October 16, 2021, at Bellator 268. However on October 5, it was announced that Perez was injured and the bout was scrapped.

Pérez, replacing Jared Scoggins, was scheduled to face Cee Jay Hamilton on April 22, 2022, at Bellator 278. Pérez in turn pulled out of the bout and Hamilton was not rescheduled, instead being paid his show money, despite not weighing in or fighting.

Pérez faced Enrique Barzola on March 10, 2023, at Bellator 292. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fastest knockout in bantamweight history (0:17)
 * Second best takedown accuracy in bantamweight history (55.9%)
 * Tenth best significant strike defense in bantamweight history (66.7%)
 * Sixth most strikes landed in bantamweight history (666)
 * Ranked eighth for least strikes absorbed per minute in bantamweight history (2.09)
 * Fourth most takedowns landed in bantamweight history (19)