Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Alex Poatan explained that his discomfort with Michel Pereira 's dismissal goes beyond the controversy involving referee Herb Dean. Recently, the former UFC champion drew attention on social media by protesting the non-renewal of the 'Flying Paraense's' contract after a defeat marked by refereeing errors. The statement led many fans to interpret that the Brazilian's anger was only a criticism of the referee, but he himself revealed that his dissatisfaction is also related to the treatment received by his compatriot.
In an audio message sent to a fan, which SUPER LUTAS had exclusive access to , Alex Poatan explained that he saw Michel Pereira 's situation as a missed opportunity. According to the Brazilian, the 'Flying Paraense' still had the potential to remain in the UFC, however, due to refereeing errors he was unable to take advantage of the chance.
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“For example: he had another chance. Imagine if he had won that fight? He fought well and won. He was under contract, man. Why was he fired? Even though he had several losses, that was his opportunity, but the guy pulled something illegal and the referee was there to see it and did nothing,” said Poatan.
Poatan also highlighted that, in his view, Michel Pereira 's trajectory inside and outside the octagon should have been taken into consideration by the organization. The former champion recalled the fighter's volunteer work during the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, when Michel participated in rescues using a boat, and stated that actions like this demonstrate the athlete's character.
“Okay, sometimes a guy is doing badly, but just for who this guy is, he doesn’t deserve it. Look what he did in Rio Grande do Sul during that flood. The guy went there voluntarily by boat. Very dangerous, and nobody does that: climbing on roofs, jumping fences, walls, in the middle of dirty water, and, well, nobody says anything. So the guy doesn’t deserve it,” the former champion continued.
Finally, Alex Poatan acknowledged that Michel Pereira was going through a difficult period in his career, with a negative streak of results, but reinforced that the Brazilian deserved another chance. According to the former champion, the referee's interference in the defeat prevented the Paraense fighter from being able to seek a recovery within the UFC.
“'Ah, Alex, but he was playing badly.' He was going through a bad patch and had another chance, but the referee helped him not to get that victory,” concluded Alex Poatan.
Michel Pereira helped flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul
Michel Pereira assists in the rescue of flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@michelpereiraufc
Alex Poatan 's praise refers to Michel Pereira 's participation in animal rescue efforts affected by the floods. The Brazilian fighter, known for his combative stance and acrobatics inside the octagon, demonstrated a more humanitarian side by engaging in social causes.
The controversial defeat in Michel Pereira's last fight.
Michel Pereira 's last fight in the UFC ended in controversy. The Brazilian started well against Shara Magomedov and even knocked the Russian down in the co-main event of UFC Baku . However, on the ground, the Russian pulled the Brazilian's hair on more than one occasion. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight to warn the Russian, but did not deduct points.
During the break between the first and second rounds, Herb Dean approached Shara and informed him that if the Russian committed any more fouls, he would be penalized. In the third round, however, Magomedov poked the Brazilian in the eye, and the referee did not deduct any points.
With the decision not to deduct points, Shara Magomedov defeated the Brazilian by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Michel Pereira went so far as to blame Herb Dean for his defeat in a harsh post on Twitter.
“In MMA, there are rules. They need to be applied with the same rigor for everyone. Respecting the rules is protecting the integrity of the sport and ensuring fairness inside the octagon. My opponent was warned several times and was not punished. When the rule is ignored, the result is compromised,” Michel wrote on his social media.
Michel Pereira expressed gratitude after being released from the UFC.
In a post on his Instagram stories, Michel Pereira emphasized that he only has positive feelings towards the UFC, highlighting that all his career achievements were attained through the organization and reinforcing his gratitude for the opportunity.
"I only have gratitude in my heart for the UFC! Everything I have and have achieved is thanks to the UFC! Thank you," wrote Michel Pereira.
Michel Pereira's time in the UFC has come to an end.
Michel Pereira , 32, ends his time in the UFC with a professional record of 32 wins and 15 losses, with 10 wins and six losses in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Michel made his UFC debut in May 2019, when he captivated the world by knocking out Danny Roberts . At the time, the Brazilian was extremely spectacular, with flashy strikes and somersaults never before seen inside the octagon. This performance earned Pereira the nickname 'Flying Paraense'.
Michael Pereira in his first UFC fight
Michel Pereira 's peak , however, came some time later. It was only from 2020 onwards, when the Brazilian strung together a series of victories and came close to the welterweight title (up to 77 kg). However, after failing to make weight to face Stephen Thompson at UFC 291 in July 2023, the fight was canceled. UFC management didn't like the cancellation and he was forced to move up to middleweight (up to 83,9 kg).
In the new weight class, Michel couldn't stay on top and alternated between wins and heavy losses. The Brazilian's time in the UFC ended with only one win in his last five fights, accumulating losses to Shara Magomedov , Kyle Daukaus , Abus Magomedov , and Anthony Hernandez.
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