Flyweight contender Alex Perez returned to the Octagon for the first time in nearly a year on Saturday and looked every bit like a top-10 fighter in his win over Jordan Espinosa at UFC Fight Night 166.
The No. 12-ranked flyweight quickly took the fight to the mat where he patiently worked until he sunk in a deep arm-triangle choke that sent Espinosa to sleep. The fight was stopped at 2:33 in the opening frame.
Perez, who moved to 23-5, said he's interested in a fight with fellow wrestler Askar Askarov next, perhaps at UFC 249 in April. Backstage, however, he seemed a bit more willing to fight anyone as long as it meant staying active and moving closer towards a title shot.
The No. 11-ranked Espinosa fell to 14-7 with 1 no contest.