Michel Pereira Appeals Controversial UFC Baku Decision

Former UFC middleweight Michel Pereira is seeking to overturn his unanimous‑decision loss to Sharabutdin Magomedov at UFC Baku. Pereira alleges that Magomedov illegally pulled his hair three times and delivered an accidental eye poke, actions for which referee Herb Dean issued warnings but did not deduct points. Pereira argues that a single point deduction would have produced a 28‑28 draw, potentially altering his standing with the promotion.

The loss was Pereira's last bout under contract; the UFC chose not to renew his deal after he dropped four of his final five fights. He is consulting a lawyer to request a no‑contest or draw ruling from the athletic commission overseeing the event. Pereira expressed gratitude toward the organization while criticizing the officiating that he says ended his UFC career.