Michel Pereira remains something of a mystery man in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division—a rare fighter who refuses to be pigeonholed by even the most astute and seasoned observers.
The wildly entertaining Brazilian will put his modest two-fight winning streak on the line against Niko Price in a UFC 264 prelim on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pereira owns a 3-2 record through five appearances inside the Octagon, his brief tenure in the promotion marked by exhilarating highs and maddening lows. “Demolidor” last competed at UFC Fight Night 183, where he took a three-round unanimous decision from the knockout-minded Kalinn Williams on Dec. 19.
As Pereira sharpens his tools ahead of what figures to be an intriguing battle with Price, here are five things you might not know about him:
1. A diverse repertoire tips his spear.
Pereira holds the rank of black belt in two disciplines: karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It should come as little surprise that he sports 17 finishes—10 by knockout or technical knockout, seven more by submission—among his 25 professional victories.
2. He has lived a hired-gun existence.
“Demolidor” has competed in 22 different promotions during his 38-fight career: Dragon Fight Championship, Tucuma Fighting Show, Colisao Top Fight, MMA Dragon Fighters, Marajo Fight, Arena Sport Combat, 300 Sparta, The Green Fight, Jungle Fight, Iron Man Championship Fight, Arena Fight, Xtreme Fighting Championships, World Fighting Championship Akhmat, Revelation Fighting Championship, Shooto Brazil, Fusion Fighting Championship, Taura MMA, Kunlun Fight, Serbian Battle Championship, Heat, Road Fighting Championship and the UFC. Pereira has fought all over the globe as a result, having appeared in Brazil, Peru, Russia, Mongolia, Serbia, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Canada.
3. Perseverance paved his path to success.
Pereira held down a variety of jobs while pursuing his combat sports dreams, drawing paychecks as a mason’s assistant, blacksmith, karate instructor and a Zumba teacher. According to his entrance interview with UFC.com, he also sold popsicles and tin cans to make ends meet.
4. When opportunity knocks, he answers.
The Overcome Academy representative captured the Serbian Battle Championship welterweight crown when he was awarded a majority decision over Luka Strezoski at SBC 15 on Dec. 8, 2017. Pereira made one successful title defense, then vacated his throne in favor of other pursuits. He has also fought for championships in Shoot Brazil and the Japan-based Heat organization.
5. Win or lose, he generally engages on his terms.
While defensive wrestling was thought to be a question mark when Pereira arrived in the UFC in 2019, he has denied all 12 takedown attempts levied against him inside the Octagon. Tristan Connelly was 0-for-6 against him at UFC Fight Night 158, while “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 winner Diego Sanchez whiffed on all six of his tries at UFC 167. However, Pereira managed to lose both bouts.