Michel Pereira (right) lands a strike during a bout. [Getty Images]
Michel Pereira (right) lands a strike during a bout. [Getty Images]

Michel Pereira, 32, the Brazilian UFC fighter beloved by fans for his acrobatic, unorthodox style, is leaving the promotion after a string of defeats.

The UFC decided not to re-sign Pereira following his loss to Shara "Bullet" Magomedov at last month's event in Baku, it was reported Wednesday.

Pereira had signed a one-fight contract after snapping a three-fight losing streak with a split-decision win over Jack Reiss in February. That arrangement had already fueled speculation that a loss to Magomedov would cost him his roster spot.

The defeat to Magomedov carried a bitter edge. Magomedov, a Russian national, fought to what amounted to a home-crowd reception in Azerbaijan — the host country of the event — and repeatedly committed fouls during the bout, including eye pokes and hair pulls.

Pereira has compiled a 32-15 record across 47 professional fights, joined the UFC in 2019 and went 10-6 over 16 appearances. Before that, he went 3-0 in Road FC, the Korean promotion, earning him a loyal following among domestic fans.

Pereira once rode an eight-fight winning streak inside the octagon, but his fortunes turned after repeated failures to make weight at welterweight prompted a move to middleweight — a transition that proved costly. He lost four of his last five bouts, a run that ultimately led to his release.

Pereira remains a capable fighter at a relatively young age. North American outlets expect him to receive offers from PFL and other promotions and return to competition soon.


yjc@heraldcorp.com