M. Pereira (photo) will make his first performance in 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Irreverent, as always, Michael Pereira is ready for another battle in Ultimate. Opponent of Niko Price No. UFC 264, which takes place this Saturday (10), 'Paraense Voador' does not hide its excitement to perform in one of the biggest events of the season. Before the commitment, the welterweight (up to 77kg.) spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, analyzing the commitment and promised to challenge Nate diaz, in case of victory at the weekend.
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In Ultimate since 2019, Pereira's popularity continues to grow with each appearance in the company. Coming from two consecutive victories, the athlete is trying to confirm his good form against a dangerous opponent.
constant evolution
Since arriving at the UFC, Michel has never hidden that his desire is to generate entertainment for fans of the sport. With somersaults, plastic strikes and the ability to trick his opponents into mistakes, the Brazilian has been proving that he is an athlete who can surprise us at welterweight. Thus, the man from Pará highlighted his constant evolution in the sport to continue his path of success.
“We are in the world to learn. We never know everything. I'm a new guy, I have a lot to learn. I do not know anything. Every day I learn more about weight, training, about human beings, about life. Little by little, we improve, finding a balance, seeing what the people and the UFC like. I try to please my bosses, my fans. I fight for my bosses and my fans. I don't fight for the result. The result is a consequence of my work”, stated Pereira.
Full house, sure excitement
In his first performance of the season, Michel cannot hide his excitement about performing in front of one of the biggest audiences of the year. One of the highlights on the preliminary card, 'Paraense Voador' opened up about the moment he will experience this weekend.
“When I put my head on my pillow to rest, I start to visualize everything. A movie is kind of playing, that bunch of people. It's too 'top', surreal. As I've always been a guy who got a lot of pressure, because of my style, it's already 'good'. It's really nice to have an audience. I always came in booed and left applauded, because I always fought in my opponents' 'home'. I won over people with my way, humility. It’s a moment that only those who participate know what the moment is,” he said.
Pereira x Price: promise of a show
Without disrespecting his opponent, Michel is aware that he will have a tough commitment against Niko Price this weekend. For the Brazilian, the chance to face an opponent with a similar style is a step towards stirring up the fans' spirits.
“I'm happy with the fight. He's a crazy guy. He's not a stupid, arrogant guy. They are good people. I want to go there, put on a show, work, leave without injury. We’re going to put on a great fight and please all the fans”, he described.
Uncertain strategy
With a different style, Pereira states that he does not have a fixed style for his commitment to UFC 264. Versatile and with a high capacity to confuse his opponents, the Brazilian claims to be ready for any scenario.
“I dance as the music plays. I can knock him out in the first round, in the second, third, finish. It could be by points. We can put on a show and the fight be one of the best of the night. We have the capacity to become reality. When I look at myself, I try to see myself as a fan of Michael Pereira and see: 'what would I like him to do?'. Let's see how the fight will go, how Niko will perform. I will get it right. There are a lot of new moves. I'm sure it's a bonus for the night. I’m going to steal the show”, he said.
Challenge to Nate Diaz
fan of the style Nate diaz, Pereira guarantees that he would like to have the opportunity to test himself against the UFC's 'bad boy'. Excited, the Brazilian analyzed what a possible challenge between the two would be like and confirmed that he will challenge the North American if he wins on Saturday.
“I really want to fight Nate (laughs). It's not because of his name, it's because of the way he fights. I think he's very 'massive'. People who do different things know how difficult it is, how much we have to have a good mind to do it. Fighting for me is easy, it’s peaceful. When the guy makes the 'stops' that I, Nate, Jon Jones, Anderson (Silva), we know it’s another level. The coolness, the concentration, the focus, there is a lot involved to have this difference. I wouldn't put up with him (Nate) doing those 'waves' with me, no. The 'stick was going to break' and we were going to 'disgrace ourselves'. It would be one of the most fun fights”, guaranteed Michel.
Moment of a lifetime at UFC 264
With the spotlight of the MMA world focused on this weekend's event, Pereira is fully aware of the responsibility for a good performance. A show on Saturday can change a fighter's life and, with that in mind, the man from Pará vented about his expectations.
“I believe this was the moment God prepared for me to shine. It will be the moment of my triumph. I prepared myself back there for this moment, to arrive with a clear head, ready”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 27 years old, Michael Pereira is heading towards his 38th challenge as a professional in MMA. The athlete today has 25 wins, 11 losses and two 'no result' fights.
In the search for recovery in Ultimate, Price will make his 21st commitment in the sport. The 31-year-old North American has 14 triumphs, four setbacks and two 'no result' matches.
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