Michel "Demolidor" Pereira, one of the most electrifying athletes to ever step foot in the UFC Octagon, is about to face his biggest challenge yet as he takes on Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Fight Night this Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Pereira’s journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular, characterized by acrobatic moves, devastating finishes, and a relentless winning streak. As he steps into his first UFC main event, fans can expect fireworks as Pereira looks to continue his ascension in the middleweight division.
Since suffering back-to-back defeats in 2019 and 2020, Pereira has been on an unstoppable run, winning eight consecutive fights, with four by finish. Known for his jaw-dropping athleticism and unorthodox techniques, Pereira’s fights often feel like highlights in motion. Whether it’s running off the cage or executing mid-fight backflips, Pereira's high-risk style is not only captivating but also effective.
In October 2023, Pereira made a significant move to the middleweight division, a change that allowed him to fight at his full potential. The decision paid off immediately, as he knocked out Andre Petroski in just over a minute, showing newfound power and precision. Pereira later solidified his middleweight dominance with first-round finishes of Michal Oleksiejczuk at UFC 299 and Ihor Potieria at UFC 301, each performance earning him a coveted bonus check.
This Saturday, Pereira faces Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, a gritty fighter riding a five-fight win streak. Hernandez is known for his endurance and his ability to wear down opponents in the later rounds. However, Pereira seems unfazed by the potential for a drawn-out fight. While this will be his first five-round UFC bout, Pereira has confidently stated that he doesn’t expect the fight to go the distance. His plan is simple: knockout before the final bell.
“Fighting five rounds is different, but I’ve prepared for this,” Pereira said. “I don’t believe it’s going to last that long. I’m going to knock him out before it reaches five rounds.”
Hernandez, with his high stamina and pressure-heavy approach, poses a tough test, but Pereira’s explosiveness and unorthodox style could be the key to ending the fight early. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Pereira can continue his streak of early finishes and take another step closer to title contention.
UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira is set to air live from UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT, with the main card airing on ESPN+ at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT. With Pereira’s knack for thrilling finishes and Hernandez’s relentless pursuit, this is one main event you won’t want to miss.