UFC cuts Michel Pereira after four losses in five fights end six-year Octagon run

Michel Pereira has been cut by the UFC after losing a unanimous decision to Sharabutdin Magomedov at UFC Baku, ending a six-year relationship with the promotion that produced a 10-6 record across two weight classes.

The Brazilian, nicknamed “Demolidor”, made his Octagon debut against Danny Roberts in 2019 and built one of the promotion’s more entertaining résumés, highlighted by an eight-fight winning streak between 2020 and 2024. That run came to a halt with consecutive defeats to Anthony Hernandez, Abus Magomedov and Kyle Daukaus — a slide that left him having lost four of his last five fights by the time the UFC parted ways with him.

Pereira had entered the Baku contest on the back of a split-decision win over Zachary Reese in February, a result that fulfilled his previous contract. He then signed a one-fight deal to face Sharabutdin Magomedov in Azerbaijan, a bout that ultimately proved to be his last under the UFC banner.

The 32-year-old was vocal in his frustration after the defeat, publicly criticising referee Herb Dean for failing to deduct points from Magomedov despite issuing multiple warnings for hair pulling. Pereira also pointed to what he described as a blatant eye poke that went unpunished.

Whether Pereira can earn his way back to the UFC remains uncertain. Several fighters have returned to the promotion after being released and gone on to win titles, but his recent inconsistency and age are likely to complicate any path back to the Octagon.