Michel Pereira released from UFC after controversial loss in Baku

Brazilian mixed‑martial‑arts fighter Michel Pereira was cut from the UFC following a unanimous‑decision defeat to Shara Magomedov at UFC Baku on 27 June 2026. The bout featured repeated fouls – Magomedov repeatedly pulled Pereira’s hair and landed an eye poke – but referee Herb Dean issued warnings without deducting points, a decision that kept the 29‑28 score in Magomedov’s favor. Pereira’s UFC record stood at 10‑6 overall (16 fights) with a career total of 32‑15‑2. After the loss, Pereira posted on Instagram, "I only have gratitude in my heart for the UFC. Everything I have and achieved was through the UFC. Gratitude," while fellow Brazilian Alex Pereira publicly condemned the release, writing that paying "such a high price because of a refereeing mistake is impossible to accept." The incident has reignited debate over referee accountability in MMA, with other fighters such as Henry Cejudo also questioning officiating standards.