UFC's Ailin Perez wants to send 'friend' Holly Holm into retirement

Ailin Perez has her sights set on a former champion.

Winner of her past three in a row – most recently a unanimous decision over Joselyne Edwards at UFC 302 in June, Perez (10-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) expressed interest in facing Kayla Harrison.

But now Perez has shifted her attention to Harrison’s most recent opponent, Holly Holm (15-7 MMA, 8-7 UFC), who is coming off a submission loss to the two-time PFL champion at UFC 300 in April.

“Holly Holm, you are my friend. As my friend, I am happy to send you to retirement to help you realize that you can get hurt if you keep fighting in UFC. Mick Maynard, let me help my friend go to retirement.”

Holm, 42, has lost three of her past four fights. After her loss to Harrison, UFC CEO Dana White said he’d like to see Holm retire. However, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Holm shut down White’s retirement suggestion.

“I’m ready to go whenever,” Holm said. “I definitely am not ready to be done fighting. I know I’m still healthy and capable. I’m just mad that I haven’t performed.”