Rising UFC middleweight star Shara Magomedov is determined to make Michel Pereira pay for his public support of Israel.
Initially, Magomedov was set to compete against Ihor Potieria at UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22nd. However, the bout was canceled when Potieria was booked as a last-minute replacement to face Pereira at UFC 301 earlier this month.
Pereira quickly defeated Potieria with a first-round knockout, which resulted in the cancellation of Magomedov’s matchup. It remains uncertain whether Magomedov will secure a new opponent for the Saudi Arabia event on short notice.
Pereira has stirred controversy with his actions following one of his recent victories. After hundreds were killed in the region on October 7th, Pereira displayed an Israeli flag.
Now Pereira is active in southern Brazil, aiding recovery efforts after severe flooding. Magomedov recently criticized him for supporting Israel. Magomedov views Pereira’s humanitarian efforts as hypocritical given his stance on the conflict.
Magomedov took to Instagram to voice his grievances against Pereira. He accused Pereira of being a hypocrite, saving animals in Brazil while ignoring the suffering of children in conflict zones.
“While this hypocrite is saving dogs in Brazil from a flood, ignoring my call, a thousand children are lying under bombs at the hands of child killers. And at the same time he came out with the flag of this country and shouted to the whole world and supported them. Sooner or later I will get to him inshallah. Then this merry fellow will not have so much fun.”
Magomedov remains unbeaten in his first 12 professional matches, including a successful UFC debut in October against Bruno Silva. Prior to his UFC career, he competed in the AMC and RCC promotions.
Pereira is scheduled to compete against Roman Dolidze in a middleweight bout at UFC Louisville. Since transitioning from welterweight to middleweight, Pereira boasts a perfect 3-0 record, demonstrating his adaptability and skills in the new weight class.
