Sharabutdin Magomedov is pointing fingers at Michel Pereira. He’s upset because Pereira’s actions have thrown a wrench into his fight plans.
Originally, Magomedov was set to face Ihor Potieria at UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22. But plans changed. Potieria stepped in for an injured Makhmud Muradov to fight Pereira at UFC 301 on May 4. Pereira won in less than a minute, leaving Potieria medically suspended until August.
The fight stirred up some controversy. Pereira nearly hit Potieria with an illegal knee after a flashy backflip. Officials reviewed the move and cleared Pereira of any foul play. Still, Potieria has voiced his dissatisfaction with the outcome.
Potieria took to Instagram to express his feelings. “Hey everyone… Friends, thanks a ton for your support. It means the world to me. And to the haters, thanks for keeping me in your thoughts too. It’s a bummer I couldn’t showcase my skills. But, hey, sometimes life throws curveballs. This too shall pass. I’m thankful for everything, even the setbacks. It’s all part of the journey.”
He reflected on his rushed preparation. “Rushing into fights as a substitute isn’t the way. I lost 17 kilograms in two and a half weeks. The last bit was brutal. I dominated this guy in sparring back in the States. But in the actual fight, I didn’t get a chance to show what I’m made of. All I remember is that illegal knee. Some commissions in the States would’ve disqualified him for that. But the fight was in Brazil. Let’s see what they decide.”
Potieria remains hopeful. “I’m waiting for a fair resolution. Everyone loves a good flip, but rules were broken. I won’t let this slide. We’ll meet again, and next time, I’ll be ready. My dream? To be the UFC middleweight champion. Laugh all you want, but I believe in myself.”
With Potieria out, Magomedov has challenged Pereira directly. “You acrobat, you cost me my fight,” he posted on Instagram. “The UFC isn’t a circus. Your illegal move should have consequences. Let’s see if you can handle me in Saudi Arabia.”
Meanwhile, Pereira is set to fight Roman Dolidze at UFC Louisville on June 8. Despite rumors, Pereira insists he hasn’t accepted the fight, even though Dolidze has.