UFC Prospect Alice Pereira Scores Brutal Flying Knee KO

The 20-year-old bantamweight delivered one of the best knockouts of the year at UFC Vegas 115.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:10pm

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UFC women's bantamweight prospect Alice Pereira, 20, scored a highlight-reel flying knee knockout of Hailey Cowan at UFC Fight Night 271 in Las Vegas. Pereira, who was making her second UFC appearance, says the flying knee was part of her pre-planned game strategy and she followed up with ground strikes until the referee stopped the fight.

Why it matters

Pereira's flying knee KO was one of the most spectacular finishes in MMA so far in 2026, showcasing the rising star's finishing ability. At just 20 years old, Pereira is the youngest female fighter to compete in the UFC, and this win will likely propel her up the bantamweight rankings as she continues to develop.

The details

In the fight, Pereira landed a brutal flying knee flush on Cowan's chin, dropping her opponent instantly. Pereira said she had been working on the flying knee in training and had attempted it earlier in the fight before finally connecting with the knockout blow. After Cowan fell to the canvas, Pereira followed up with ground strikes until the referee stepped in to stop the contest.

  • Pereira made her UFC debut in September 2025 at age 19.
  • The flying knee KO occurred at UFC Fight Night 271 on April 5, 2026.

The players

Alice Pereira

A 20-year-old UFC women's bantamweight prospect who scored a highlight-reel flying knee knockout in her second UFC fight.

Hailey Cowan

Pereira's opponent, a 27-year-old UFC women's bantamweight with a 7-5 professional record.

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What they’re saying

“Flying knees have always been part of my game plans. On my debut, I tried twice to hit a couple of flying knees, but it didn't work out. Today, even before the knockout, I also threw some that were very close to hitting her, and the final one thankfully landed like we planned.”

— Alice Pereira, UFC Fighter

“I didn't actually know she was out when I hit the knee. I saw her face right after the knee looked a little bit off. She fell down to the ground, and I saw her face was open, and the only thing in my mind was, 'I'm going to punch her face. I'm going to punch her face until the referee stops the fight.'”

— Alice Pereira, UFC Fighter

What’s next

Pereira's impressive knockout win will likely earn her a higher-profile fight in her next UFC appearance as she continues to climb the women's bantamweight ladder.

The takeaway

At just 20 years old, Alice Pereira has already shown the finishing ability and fight-ending power to become a top prospect in the UFC's women's bantamweight division. Her highlight-reel flying knee KO is a sign of the young fighter's potential as she looks to make a name for herself in the Octagon.