Former
Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight Markus
“Maluko” Perez has reportedly been in U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement custody for more than a month while his
immigration case proceeds.
According to Brazilian outlet Recorte da Luta, Perez was detained
July 15 while visiting relatives in Salt Lake City. The outlet
reported that he has since been transferred between detention
facilities and is currently being held in California.
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Markus Perez was reportedly detained July 15 while visiting
relatives in Salt Lake City
A fundraiser shared through
Perez’s official Instagram account is seeking $25,000 to help
cover legal fees and other expenses related to the proceedings.
According to the fundraiser, Perez had been pursuing an EB-1 visa,
and his request for bond was denied.
Perez, 36, competed seven times in the UFC from 2017 to 2021,
compiling a 2-5 record. He later competed in several combat sports,
including Karate Combat.
The Brazilian’s most recent mixed martial arts appearance came at
Peak Fighting 51 in March, when he submitted Lajuan
Davis with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
No timetable has been announced for Perez’s release or the
resolution of his immigration case.