Aline Pereira won big. The Brazilian fighter claimed the Karate Combat flyweight title on July 19, 2025, at Karate Combat 56 in Miami. She beat Fani Peloumpi by unanimous decision to earn her first combat sports championship. Her brother, UFC star Alex Pereira, supported her from her corner with coach Plinio Cruz.
Fight Recap and Celebration
In the co-main event, Aline dominated the five-round fight with crisp strikes, using her strong left hook. Peloumpi stayed in the fight but couldn’t keep up with Aline’s speed. All judges gave the win to Aline, awarding her the vacant flyweight belt. She celebrated with Alex and Cruz at Mana Wynwood Convention Center.
Aline, 34, remains unbeaten in Karate Combat. She joined the promotion in 2024 after struggling in MMA. Her left hook, a signature move like her brother’s, has been key. This victory marked her third straight win in Karate Combat, following two knockouts.
Aline Pereira, born in 1990, has a 1-2 MMA record from Legacy Fighting Alliance. She fought in Glory kickboxing, challenging for the super bantamweight title in 2021 but losing to Tiffany van Soest. As an amateur, she built a 21-3 kickboxing record. Like her brother Alex, a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion, she hails from the Pataxó tribe.
Her Karate Combat journey began in 2024. She knocked out Dee Begley in the first round on October 11, 2024, at Karate Combat 50. On January 24, 2025, she stopped Amanda Torres in the second round at Karate Combat 52 with her left hook. These wins earned her the title shot against Peloumpi.
Karate Combat 56 featured a heavyweight tournament won by Robelis Despaigne, who earned a future title shot against champion Sam Alvey. Aline’s co-main event win made her a top name in the promotion. Alex, who lost his UFC light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev in March 2025, was by her side in Miami, showing their tight bond during her celebration.
Aline’s title win lifts her career. Calls for her to join the UFC are growing, but her MMA record suggests she needs more experience. Her success in Karate Combat proves her skill and power. This championship could open doors to bigger fights and a lasting legacy.
