Alex Perez competed last weekend at UFC Fight Night Fresno and picked up a second round submission win over Carls John De Tomas.
The bout was originally supposed to be at flyweight, but the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) changed it to bantamweight after De Tomas missed weight in his last fight. This whole scenario left the victorious Perez feeling unfairly punished by the CSAC.
“I spent money on nutritionists,” Perez told MMA Fighting. “I work with [nutrition team] Perfecting Athletes. That’s a lot of money out of my pocket. How do you expect me to not fight? You guys are worried about his safety, but what about mine? What if the guy gains 20 pounds and hits me and causes some kind of damage to me? I don’t understand how you guys are looking out for the safety of fighters.”
CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster claims that Perez was outside of the commission regulations for weight cuts as well, but De Tomas’ previous weight cut mishap was the official reason given for the change in weight class.
Perez says he understands what the commission is trying to do, but wishes they would get a better handle on things.
“I just believe that they don’t have everything down and they’re punishing the guy that’s doing their job,” Perez said. “I understand what they’re trying to do, trying to stop weight cuts from being so bad. I just think they need to get it down, have a better system.”
Although his next fight has yet to be announced, a victorious Perez is expected to go back to flyweight for his next Octagon appearance.
