Pereira signs with Korean promotion ZFN for first fight since controversial UFC exit

Michel Pereira will make his post-UFC debut on December 19, facing In Su Hwang in a middleweight bout at ZFN 5, the South Korean promotion run by former UFC featherweight contender Chan Sung Jung. The matchup was announced Monday, marking Pereira’s first confirmed fight since his contentious departure from the world’s leading MMA organisation.

Pereira (32-15, 2 no contest) became a free agent after dropping a decision to Shara Magomedov at the UFC in June — a result that drew widespread criticism. Referee Herb Dean issued no punishment to Magomedov despite visible hair-pulling during grappling exchanges, leaving Pereira and his camp aggrieved at the outcome.

The 33-year-old Brazilian is no stranger to the South Korean market. Before joining the UFC, Pereira built his reputation under the Road FC banner, going 3-0 with three knockout finishes in the country. His return to the region represents a full circle of sorts for a fighter who used South Korea as a launchpad to the sport’s biggest stage.

Across two weight classes in the UFC, Pereira went 10-6 in 16 appearances, recording notable victories over Khaos Williams, Santiago Ponzinibbio, Michał Oleksiejczuk, and Niko Price. His acrobatic, high-risk fighting style made him one of the promotion’s most entertaining performers, even if a world title run ultimately proved out of reach.

Hwang (9-2) arrives as a credible and dangerous opponent. The 32-year-old is a former Road FC middleweight champion and headlined ZFN’s most recent card in May, stopping Bellator and PFL veteran Alex Polizzi in the third round. Hwang did suffer a setback earlier in 2025, losing a decision to Paddy McCorry on Dana White’s Contender Series, but remains one of the more accomplished fighters on the South Korean circuit.

The bout sets up an intriguing clash of styles and ambitions, with Pereira looking to rebuild momentum and Hwang eager to prove he belongs at the highest level.