Alex Pereira Backs Sister Aline After Contender Series Setback

Aline Pereira did not get the UFC contract she was chasing, but she did get a public message of support from her brother. After her loss on the Dana White's Contender Series, her brother Alex Pereira posted a message of pride on Instagram, and Aline responded with a thank-you of her own.

The 36-year-old faced former ONE women's strawweight Muay Thai world champion Smilla Sundell in the season 10 finale of the Contender Series. After 15 minutes, Sundell took a unanimous decision, leaving Aline without a UFC deal.

A brother in her corner

Alex, the former two-division UFC champion, was in his sister's corner for the fight and praised her afterward. He wrote that she had faced one of the best in the world, an experienced opponent, and had shown a great deal of evolution, grit and courage despite her short time in MMA. He acknowledged that many people saw the decision differently, but said the result did not change the size of what she had done.

Pereira also admitted that he had not been close to her training in recent years and suggested that the distance had helped her find her own path. He credited her work with Glover Teixeira and the Teixeira MMA team, said she had proven she belongs at that level and told her that one fight does not define an athlete. "I'm extremely proud of you as an athlete and especially as a brother."

Aline's reply

Aline answered in the comments, telling Alex she loves him and how much she looks up to him. She thanked him for always standing by her side, believing in her and supporting her, called having him as a brother a blessing from God and said she was deeply grateful for everything he has done and continues to do for her.

The loss drops Aline's professional MMA record to 3-3. The Karate Combat women's flyweight champion could still earn a place in the UFC through a future season of the Contender Series, if the promotion's CEO gives her another opportunity.