Is it finally happening? With tension building, Michel Pereira fights against Pirata Russo at UFC Baku to get closer to the top 15.

Shara and Michael Pereira They face off tensely at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Selected to play in UFC Baku, Michael Pereira has a golden opportunity to get closer to the middleweight elite again. In the event that takes place this Saturday (27), in Azerbaijan, the Brazilian faces the dangerous Shara MagomedovMoreover, the match, which was already anticipated and important, became even more attractive due to the rivalry between the athletes.

Due to their creative and exciting style, Michel and Shara are making this the 'people's main fight'. Therefore, the winner will be in a good position in the competitive category. Interestingly, despite their popularity, neither fighter is in the top 15. Therefore, these professionals will enter the octagon with extra motivation, knowing that a spectacular victory, something they excel at, would further boost their visibility and lead to bigger and more valuable fights.

As if that weren't enough, no fighter wants to lose to a rival, and in this case, the Brazilian and the Russian have become enemies. Shara has been provoking Michel for some time now, and at the official weigh-in... UFC BakuThe atmosphere became unbearable. During the face-off, the Russian Pirate was not intimidated by the Flying Paraense's approach and grabbed him by the nape of the neck. Irritated by his opponent's attitude, Pereira went after him. The co-main event fight only didn't happen because security managed to restrain the pair.

And it is precisely this heated atmosphere that should be seen in the octagon. In the current fight, the rivals seek to secure their second consecutive victory. In his last appearance in the octagon, held in February, Michel defeated... Zachary Reesewhile Shara surpassed Marc-Andre BarriaultIn July, both fighters, recovered in the UFC, exude confidence in another victory. According to the bookmakers, the Brazilian is the underdog for the fight, but has the advantage of being more well-rounded and experienced.

In turn, the Russian's strengths lie in his striking, especially his kicks, and his speed. It's true that Michel can surprise on his feet, but the best way to achieve a second consecutive victory is to change his level, that is, to take Shara down, control him on the ground and, perhaps, seek a submission or technical knockout. This is because, in his fights, the bad boy has shown that his takedown defense is weak and, with his back to the ground, he doesn't have as much agility. In any case, the fight is likely to be dynamic and turn into a battle.

Please note the UFC Baku schedule.

O UFC Baku It will be held in Azerbaijan and will begin at an alternative time for the Brazilian audience. The event starts at 10:00 AM (Brasilia time) and features 13 fights. The main card is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM.

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UFC Baku technical sheet

Date: May 27, 2026

Time: From 10pm (Brasília time)

Location: National Gymnastics Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, Paramount+ (entire card) on TV and internet.

MAIN CARD (13pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Raphael Fiziev x Manuel Torres

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov x Michael Pereira

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Nazim Sadykhov x Matheus Camilo

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev x Charles Johnson

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ikram Aliskerov x Bruno Hulk

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Abus Magomedov x Michal Oleksiejczuk

PRELIMINARY CARD (10pm Brasília time)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Farman Hasanov vs. Eric Nolan

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Julius Walker

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Nursulton Ruziboev x Andrey Pulyaev

Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Kaan Ofli x Javier Reyes

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Daniil Donchenko x Theodor Berggren

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bekzat Almakhan x Jean Matsumoto

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Tahir Abdullayev vs. Jefferson Nascimento