Michel
Pereira didn’t need long to put on a show for Brazilian fans at
UFC
301.
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Shortly after a controversial backflip by Pereira sent his knee
crashing dangerously close to the head of grounded opponent
Ihor
Potieria, “Demolidor” secured a guillotine choke and elicited a
tap 54 seconds into Round 1. Ultimately, it was determined that
Pereira did not land an illegal strike, and he was awarded one of
the evening’s four $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonuses for
his efforts.
Shortly after his victory, Pereira revealed to Sherdog.com that he
had previously trained with Potieria before Saturday’s bout.
“We did sparring together at Xtreme Couture, but I didn’t show the
real Michel Pereira. It was more like light sparring,” he said.
“Actually, that’s how I train. I give training to anyone who spars
with me. I don’t necessarily want to get a knockout every time I
spar.”
According to Pereira, the backflip the he dubbed “Fumo Mix” wasn’t
an illegal strike. If his knee had landed on Potieria’s head, the
Brazilian could have been disqualified.
“I didn’t see the complete video yet, but during the fight I don’t
recall hitting his head,” Pereira said. “Anyway, that’s how I
fight. I’m a
UFC showman. That´s how I´m entertaining the fans and climbing
up the rankings — and I will continue doing that.
“That´s the fourth time I’ve used ‘Fumo Mix’ in UFC, and I´ll
continue using it.”
Pereira revealed that he has many other specially-named techniques
that he hopes to use in future bouts.
“I just use those when the opportunity arises, but I can guarantee
that there are many other crazy techniques to come, like CANGA
LEITÃO , MASTIGADA DA JUMENTA, REVESTREZ, BROTA BEBÊ and many
others. I hope to use them in my future fights,” Pereira said.
Pereira revealed that he plans on briefly celebrating in Para state
— around 2,000 miles from Rio de Janeiro — with some horseback
riding before returning to the United States.
“That’s how I’ll celebrate that win with my friends in my
homeland,” he said. “But I truly hope the UFC calls me back as soon
as possible since I didn’t get a single scratch in that fight and
next week I must be back home in Vegas.”
While he wants a quick turnaround, Pereira declined to call out any
potential opponents for his next UFC appearance.
“Whenever I choose opponents, UFC never hears my call. So I will
wait for their choice and keep doing my job, which is give good
shows to the fans,” he said.