Michel Pereira makes his middleweight debut at UFC Las Vegas 81: remember the Brazilian's best moments in Ultimate

M. Pereira put on a show against Z. Imadaev in the UFC Las Vegas 9. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc

Cheerful to the Brazilian fans, Michael Pereira will make his debut at middleweight (up to 83,9kg) in Ultimate. Featured in UFC Las Vegas 81, the 'Paraense Voador' will be an opponent of Andre Petroski, who, at the last minute, took on the challenge of replacing Marc-Andre Barriault.

After a solid trajectory in the welterweight division (up to 77,1kg.), which gave the Brazilian a prominent position in the top 15, the Brazilian opted to move up a division to minimize any problems in weight cutting. The decision was taken after a failure to compromise with the balance on the eve of the decisive clash against Stephen Thompson, which cost Tupiniquim its participation in the UFC 291.

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To get into the spirit of Pereira's first performance in the 2023 season, the team from SUPER FIGHTS selected Michel's best moments with Ultimate gloves. Check out:

From excitement to the show at the premiere

M. Pereira in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc

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On May 18, 2019, MMA fans were introduced to Michael Pereira. A UFC debutant, the Brazilian shared the octagon with Danny Roberts.

Moments before the confrontation, when the amplifiers played his entrance music, the man from Pará couldn't contain his emotion and cried profusely as his dream came true. The moment the fight started, the commotion gave way to a show. With an apotheotic performance, Pereira took victory with a knockout in the first round.

Revenge in style

M. Pereira (right) defeated Z. Imadaev (left) in the UFC Las Vegas 9. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc

Contrary to the philosophy of 'Seu Madruga', a folkloric character from the series 'Chaves', Michael Pereira carried out full revenge in the octagon in 2020. Victim of a slap in the face from Zelim Imadaev in a face-off that took place on the eve of the challenge, the Brazilian returned the aggression in style, and in accordance with MMA rules.

In the fight, the man from Pará produced one of the most dominant performances in Ultimate that season. Without knowing his opponent, the Tupiniquim not only returned the slap in the face, but also triumphed via submission in the third round.

In the images (see below), gathered by profile '@vishsports', at the Twitter, it is possible to follow the massacre carried out by the Brazilian.

More fights, more experience

M. Pereira surpassed K. Williams in the UFC Las Vegas 17. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After getting past Imadaev, Pereira ended up suffering two consecutive defeats. In order not to run the risk of being placed on the feared layoff list, the man from Pará proved that it would be possible to combine his theatrical fighting style with the seriousness demanded by the fans, balancing both aspects.

In the new profile, Khaos Williams ended up becoming Michel's first victim. Adopting a stance that was sometimes conservative and sometimes cinematic, the Brazilian managed to win, on points, and entertain the spectators. The new version of the fighter, then, would be seen in the next challenges.

Highlight at welterweight

M. Pereira in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc

After passing Williams, Michel had three other major commitments. Between 2021 and 2022, Tupiniquim hit Andrew Fialho, Niko Price, but it was the challenge against Santiago Ponzinibbio which guaranteed Pereira a place in the top 15 welterweights.

Against 'Argentino Gente Boa', the Tupiniquim did not have an easy life, but he overcame the experience and experience of an opponent who, for years, was a reference in the category. After winning on points, the athlete finally reached the elite of the group.

Cold water bath

M. Pereira (photo) defeated A. Fialho in the UFC 270. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Although victories in previous years gave notoriety to Michael Pereira, the weight cut for welterweight has always been a 'thorn in the side' for the Brazilian. The problems came to a head on the eve of the UFC 291, when, in the final stretch of preparation for the biggest challenge of his career, the fighter did not fulfill his commitment to the scale and ended up withdrawing from the fight against Stephen Thompson.

Out of action, the Tupiniquim was the target of criticism from fans, the press and fellow professionals. The stumble determined Pereira's decision to move to middleweight and the challenge in UFC Las Vegas 81 will mark the beginning of xodó’s new journey.