UFC Releases Brazilian Fighter Who Supported Israel Amid Controversial Loss

Brazilian UFC fighter Michel Pereira, known for his outspoken support of Israel following the October 7 attacks, has been released from the organization after losing his last fight. Pereira lost to Dagestani opponent Shara Magomedov in a match marked by controversial referee decisions, including fouls by Magomedov such as hair pulling and eye poking that were not penalized. This loss marked Pereira's fourth defeat in his last five fights. Despite renewing his contract for one final bout, the UFC chose not to extend it further.

The decision to release Pereira has sparked outrage, particularly from fellow Brazilian and former world champion Alex Pereira. Alex criticized the UFC's referee Herb Dean, who officiated both fighters' recent matches, accusing him of poor judgment that unfairly impacted the outcomes. Alex Pereira expressed his frustration on Instagram, calling it "unacceptable" that Michel is paying a heavy price due to referee errors. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about officiating standards within the UFC.

Michel Pereira's public support for Israel after the October 7 attacks had set him apart in the MMA community, making his release a notable event. The UFC has not commented further on the decision. The situation underscores tensions around judging in mixed martial arts and the consequences fighters face from disputed calls in high-stakes matches.