Ex-UFC fighter Erik Perez signs with Combate Americas

Former UFC bantamweight Erik Perez has signed an exclusive, multi-year contract with Combate Americas and is expected to make his debut in January, it was announced today.

“We are thrilled to welcome ‘Goyito’ Pérez, the top Mexican fighter in the sport of MMA, and look forward to having him compete in La Jaula,” Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren said in a statement.

The 27-year-old “Goyito” (17-6), fighting out of Monterrey, Mexico, hasn’t competed this year because of a knee injury. He went 7-2 during a four-year stint with the UFC, including wins in his last three fights. Most recently, Perez won by split decision over Felipe Arantes at UFC Fight Night 98 in November of 2016.

Perez was the first Mexican-born competitor on “The Ultimate Fighter,” taking part in the reality series’ 15th season in 2012. He willingly left the UFC to sign with Combate Americas.

Pérez has been serving as a color commentator on Combate Americas’ live telecasts since the first Hispanic-based promotion made its debut in January, and he will continue in that role. Perez will be on the call for the one-night Copa Combante tournament being held Nov. 11 in Cancun, Mexico.

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