Michel Pereira edges Zachary Reese in controversial UFC Houston opener
michel pereira snapped a three-fight skid with a split-decision nod over Zachary Reese in the main-card opener at Toyota Center in Houston, a win that drew boos after three separate instances in which Pereira complained of fouls.
Michel Pereira's split decision and the disputed fouls
Michel Pereira earned a split decision over Zachary Reese to open the main card and end a run of losses. The bout featured three moments where Pereira reacted to contact: the first two alleged infractions were kicks below the belt, and the last saw Pereira flinch his eyes away from Reese’s extended fingers. Multiple replays on the Paramount+ broadcast were inconclusive, and booing fans at Toyota Center, as well as fighters who watched the action, suggested Pereira may have embellished the contact.
Predictions and the pre-fight read
Analyst Dan Tom had labeled the matchup volatile and noted both men’s glass-cannon sensibilities and recent time spent together in the same training room at Xtreme Couture MMA in Las Vegas. Tom sided with Pereira given his superior experience and propensity to work the body, and he made a specific pick of "Pereira by club and sub in Round 1. " Oddsmakers and the public had favored the Brazilian on the board, listing Perreira -160 and Reese +130 FanDuel. As the main-card opener, the fighters were expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8: 10 p. m. ET and the fight streamed live on Paramount+.
Zachary Reese's recent form
Zachary Reese entered the bout with a 10-2 MMA record and a 4-2 mark in the UFC, coming off two wins and a no contest since his last setback. His recent run included a decision win over Dusko Todorovic in May, a fight against Sedriques Dumas that ended early in September due to an accidental foul, and a second-round submission of Jackson McVey in November.
Crowd reaction and fighter criticism on social media
After the decision, several fellow fighters criticized Pereira’s reactions online. Cody Durden wrote, "Pereira will milk anything you give him. Unreal, " and Azamat Bekoev labeled Pereira "the winner of the best male actor award. " The comments added fuel to the chorus of boos from the Toyota Center crowd as the decision was announced.
Other notes from UFC Houston
The event produced other notable results beyond the Pereira–Reese opener. Melquizael Costa became the first person to finish Dan Ige in his career with a knockout. Jacobe Smith recorded another impressive finish to remain undefeated. Joselyne Edwards beat Nora Cornolle despite some odd refereeing. The card was headlined by Strickland vs. Hernandez that night, and there were discussions among fans and fighters about Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano and what fights should appear on an undercard; it was also noted that Ronda Rousey had revealed she previously had a deal in place with the promotion but that the move to Paramount changed those plans.
michel pereira’s controversial victory stands as the main-card opener’s headline moment, and the remainder of the UFC Houston card proceeded under the Strickland vs. Hernandez billing that ran later Saturday night.
