Sumudaerji turned UFC Shanghai into a statement night, outlasting Alex Perez over 15 hard-fought minutes to finally settle the score with the former flyweight title challenger.

The pair first squared off at UFC Macau in May, but their meeting ended in bizarre fashion after an accidental groin strike left Perez unable to continue at 1:45 of the second round. The bout was subsequently ruled a no contest, setting the stage for Saturday’s rematch.

UFC Shanghai: Sumudaerji Fends Off Alex Perez’s Late Takedown Surge

Alex Perez looked to dictate the pace early, using his movement to dart in and out while repeatedly changing levels. He found success with his wrestling in the first two rounds, taking Sumudaerji down and controlling him along the fence before spending more time on top in the second.

“The Tibetan Eagle” remained dangerous whenever the fight returned to the feet, using his superior range to land clean strikes and make Perez work to close the distance. With the fight seemingly hanging in the balance heading into the third, Perez continued hunting for takedowns.

That’s where Sumudaerji made the difference. The Chinese flyweight defended Perez’s attempts, battled for position in the clinch and prevented his opponent from establishing the control he had enjoyed earlier. Perez managed another late takedown attempt, but “The Tibetan Eagle” stayed composed through the final minutes.

All three judges scored the contest 29-28 for Sumudaerji, giving him the unanimous decision and the biggest win of his career.

Sumudaerji improves to 20-7 professionally and 7-4 with one no contest in the UFC, while Perez drops to 26-11 overall and 8-7 with one no contest inside the Octagon.