Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Women’s Strawweight Alice Ardelean earned her first UFC victory againstRayanne dos Santos via unanimous decision on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at UFC Vegas 107 inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Alongside her debut win in the promotion, Ardelean secured a $50,000 ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus, the first time in over a year that a women’s bout received this honor.
This victory likely saved Ardelean’s UFC career. After dropping her first two fights, a third consecutive loss would have almost certainly led to her release from the promotion. Because of that immense pressure, Ardelean left no stone unturned in her preparation, including relocating from her native Romania to Orlando, FL, for training camp.
“I had a lot of doubts, especially after my last fight,” Ardelean told reporters after her win. “Right after I came back from the cage, I thought, ‘I’m done with this. It’s too painful.’ But I said, ‘You know what? I have one more chance. One more fight. Let’s go.’ I put everything into it. I worked on everything, from the smallest details to the biggest, knowing this was my last chance.”
“If I don’t get this, I might not be good enough, and that’s a thing – I have to accept it and move down and fight outside the UFC, because I love fighting. This is my life. That was my thought, and I put everything into it. I’m proud of myself. I still have a lot to improve and a lot to work on, but I’m taking it one moment at a time.”
With a 10-7 record, Ardelean has faced skepticism (including from myself) about her UFC potential. While she may not yet be among the elite, her commitment to growth—evidenced by leaving her long-time gym and planning a permanent move to the U.S. for better training—demonstrates her dedication.
Moreover, with the UFC seeking more marketable stars, Ardelean’s three million-plus TikTok followers could extend her tenure in the promotion beyond expectations.
For complete UFC Vegas 107 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
