Popular UFC fighter Michel Pereira parts ways with promotion after 16 bouts

Michel Pereira, 32, the Brazilian UFC fighter beloved by fans for his acrobatic, unorthodox style, is leaving the promotion after a string of defeats.

The UFC decided not to re-sign Pereira following his loss to Shara "Bullet" Magomedov at last month's event in Baku, it was reported Wednesday.

Pereira had signed a one-fight contract after snapping a three-fight losing streak with a split-decision win over Jack Reiss in February. That arrangement had already fueled speculation that a loss to Magomedov would cost him his roster spot.

The defeat to Magomedov carried a bitter edge. Magomedov, a Russian national, fought to what amounted to a home-crowd reception in Azerbaijan — the host country of the event — and repeatedly committed fouls during the bout, including eye pokes and hair pulls.

Pereira has compiled a 32-15 record across 47 professional fights, joined the UFC in 2019 and went 10-6 over 16 appearances. Before that, he went 3-0 in Road FC, the Korean promotion, earning him a loyal following among domestic fans.

Pereira once rode an eight-fight winning streak inside the octagon, but his fortunes turned after repeated failures to make weight at welterweight prompted a move to middleweight — a transition that proved costly. He lost four of his last five bouts, a run that ultimately led to his release.

Pereira remains a capable fighter at a relatively young age. North American outlets expect him to receive offers from PFL and other promotions and return to competition soon.