Michel Pereira blasts UFC fighters and reveals his inspiration for being a 'showman'

Criticized before UFC Las Vegas 9, an event held on Saturday (05), and praised after beating Zelim Imadaev. This was another quick turning point in his career. Michael Pereira, but it doesn't surprise the welterweight showman (77.1 kg).

Radiant for returning to the path of victory and for having won one of the attraction's performance bonuses, the 'Paraense Voador', in an exclusive interview with channel SUPER FIGHTS, revealed who inspired him to fight in such an eye-catching way, criticized the attitude of some UFC fighters, challenged him and promised to become champion.

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Inspiration

Having enviable creativity and athleticism, the 'Paraense Voador' revealed who he looked up to to act differently from the others and surprised by saying the time he starts creating the script for his show.

“It’s amazing when I imagine the things I do. When I go to sleep I start to think about what I'm going to do in the octagon. I grew up watching Anderson (Silva) fight and he inspired me to be different. I've seen his show since I was little. I've always had the same mindset, to do something different, to put on a show, not just fight for results but make sure the fans enjoy watching the fights. I put myself in the fans' shoes and there are days when I watch UFC events and I'm pissed! All that’s left is to punch the television! I'm glad I got this from Anderson and I want to carry on his legacy,” he said.

Champion's Praise

Michel's performance was so impressive that even Kamaru Usman, welterweight champion, surrendered. Upon learning of the compliments given by the Nigerian, the man from Pará thanked him, but he wanted him and the other top performers in the category to be prepared when it came time to cross paths.

“I was very happy with the words of the Kamaru Usman. He's the champion of my category and it's great to hear that from him. He praised me a lot and he's not wrong. I'm a dedicated guy and anyone who knows me knows that I'm focused on my goals. I usually make my dreams come true. I was very happy with Kamaru's words, but let him be careful, because I'm getting there little by little. May the top guys in my category connect and train, because I'm still going to make a lot of waves”, he challenged.

Paid the price

A sad event marked the weigh-in against Zelim Imadaev. At the time of the confrontation, the Russian slapped Michel in the face, who did not reciprocate at the time, but swore at his opponent and returned the attack in the octagon. The Brazilian was thrilled to return the aggression, not just once, but a few times in the octagon and offended his rival.

“The slap I gave him was amazing. I was really angry about the slap he gave me at the weigh-in and I told everyone that I would take it out, that it wouldn't be like that. In the fight, it was no different. I kissed his hand and slapped it with pleasure. He deserved it. He wanted to give me another one at the end of the first round, when we got weird, but he was already smart. He learned that you shouldn't do that to anyone. He’s lazy, naughty!”, he criticized.

Biggest career victory

Despite having impressed against Danny Roberts, in his UFC debut, and fought well, even in defeat, against Diego Sanchez, the 'Paraense Voador' considers this the biggest victory of his career, but revealed that he can do even more.

“It was the biggest performance of my career. I'm very happy with the result, with the fight and the performance. I know I could do more, but I was really hampered by the Octagon. I'm a guy who does a lot of things and the Octagon, being smaller, hurt me. I wanted to do more, but there wasn't enough space. I have much more to show. What you saw is not the Michael Pereira that I really am, with the bigger octagon”, he promised.

Contract renewal?

The fight against Imadaev was the last of his UFC contract, but the fighter is not worried. According to him, negotiations for a new agreement began at the event he attended.

“My manager and the UFC matchmaker were talking and from what I saw, things are looking good. They asked when I want to fight and I said November. I even want to thank Dana White and Sean Shelby. In November it will be a show again. I will destroy it!”, he revealed.

Jorge Masvidal in the crosshairs

The great victory made the Brazilian regain the confidence to achieve great things. If in the octagon he challenged Jorge masvidal, on our channel, again, mentioned the name of the owner of the 'BMF' belt and two other important figures.

“I want to fight against Jorge masvidal, Nate diaz e Anthony Pettis. I'm not much of a fan of seeing people in my category. People think I want to fight them because of the fame, but I don't. It's because I like their style. I don't want to fight boring athletes who run around. It's not funny. I want to fight against the legal ones, for us to put on a show, for the public to win. They put on a show and I’m very competitive”, he praised.

Message to fans

Despite being one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster, Michel does not lose his humility. The Brazilian showed gratitude to the fans and warned that he will be champion.

“I will be champion! Thank you very much for the support. I fight for my fans, for the people who admire my work and I will always fight for you. Always wait for a Michael Pereira fun and humble. I will always fight to put on a show. Thank you very much for the positive energies and prayers. I read all the messages and I am very happy with your affection for me. Let’s go to the top!”, he thanked.