Aline Pereira defeated Jade Masson-Wong in a closely contested split decision on May 16, 2026, during MVP MMA’s inaugural card, streamed exclusively on Netflix.
Why it matters: This fight marked a historic moment for MMA, being the first live event broadcasted on Netflix. The matchup showcased two skilled fighters with promising careers, highlighting the growing popularity of women in combat sports.
Aline Pereira, 35, is the younger sister of UFC champion Alex Pereira and has made a name for herself in kickboxing and karate.
The fight took place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with a catchweight limit of 130 lbs.
Pereira entered the fight with a professional MMA record of 2-2 and an impressive amateur record of 21-3.
Jade Masson-Wong, 33, known for her aggressive fighting style, held a record of 3-2 prior to this bout.
Driving the news: The fight was part of a stacked card headlined by the highly anticipated matchup between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Pereira’s victory adds to her reputation as a formidable competitor in the flyweight division.
Both fighters came into the match with equal momentum, each having won their last fights before this showdown.
Pereira weighed in at 128 lbs, slightly lighter than Masson-Wong, who tipped the scales at 129.2 lbs.
The fight featured intense exchanges, with both competitors demonstrating their technical skills and resilience.
The split decision was scored 29-28 twice for Pereira and 27-30 for Masson-Wong, illustrating the close nature of the contest.
State of play: The match unfolded over three rounds, with Pereira employing her reach advantage effectively against Masson-Wong’s aggressive style.
Pereira began the fight by utilizing distance strikes, maintaining control and landing effective low kicks and jabs.
Masson-Wong attempted to close the distance, landing several combinations but struggled to maintain consistent pressure.
Throughout the fight, both athletes exchanged powerful strikes, with Masson-Wong landing notable right hands and elbows.
The judges recognized Pereira's ability to control the pace and distance, which contributed to her narrow victory.
The big picture: This matchup is indicative of the rising talent within women’s MMA, drawing attention to the sport’s growing visibility and acceptance.
This event marks a new era for combat sports, as Netflix ventures into live sports streaming, beginning with MMA.
Pereira’s victory positions her favorably in the flyweight rankings, potentially leading to more opportunities for title contention.
Masson-Wong, though defeated, showcased her skills and determination, likely setting up future bouts that could see her return to winning form.
The fight's competitive nature reflects the increasing depth of talent in women’s MMA, promising exciting matchups ahead.
What they're saying: Reactions from fans and commentators highlight the significance of this fight and its outcome.
Pereira expressed gratitude to her fans, stating, "I’m very ready and I trained a lot," emphasizing her preparation for this important match.
Masson-Wong, known for her fighting spirit, acknowledged the challenge posed by Pereira, noting, "I never thought about that in my life because yes, she was an inspiration when I started."
Commentators praised both fighters for their performance, highlighting the technical exchanges and competitive spirit displayed throughout the match.
The fight has sparked discussions about the future of women’s MMA, especially in light of Netflix's involvement in the sport.
By the numbers: Key statistics from the fight reveal the competitive nature of the matchup.
Pereira landed 66 total strikes compared to Masson-Wong's 59, demonstrating her efficiency in scoring.
The fight featured multiple grappling exchanges, with Pereira successfully defending against Masson-Wong's attempts to secure a submission.
Both fighters showcased their endurance, with each round filled with action and minimal downtime.
The split decision reflects the close nature of the fight, with judges recognizing the slight edge Pereira had in controlling the distance.
What's next: Following this event, both fighters have potential paths ahead in their careers.
Pereira is expected to climb the rankings, with potential matchups against other top contenders in the flyweight division.
Masson-Wong will likely regroup and assess her strategy, aiming for a comeback in her next fight.
The success of this event could lead to more women’s fights being featured prominently on streaming platforms.
Fans eagerly await updates on future matchups, particularly those involving Ronda Rousey, who headlined the event.
The inaugural MVP MMA event on Netflix has set a new standard for the sport, combining high-level competition with broad accessibility. As both Aline Pereira and Jade Masson-Wong continue to develop their careers, their paths will be closely watched by fans around the world.