Dana White and the UFC recently lifted the ban on using national flags in the walkouts and the post-fight speech. The flag ban was initiated during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, seeing the joy of Mexican fans at the Mexican Independence Week, White lifted the ban.
Michel Pereira used the full opportunity of the situation at UFC Fight Night 230. Pereira walked in holding the Israeli Flag behind his back. The action did not go unnoticed on social media. The MMA community’s reaction to Periera was mixed. One fan commented, “Least fascist Brazilian.”Nevertheless, Pereira on his middleweight debut at the event made quick work of Andre Petroski, winning the about via 1st round TKO.
It did not take Pereira to announce his entry to the middleweight division. He said he made the welterweight limit by cutting more than 40lbs earlier. The weight cut did not bother him at middleweight as he looked significantly bigger and explosive. Michael Bisping even mentioned the size disparity of the Brazilian fighter. Nevertheless, it was not Periera’s fight that got social media going frenzy, it was his choice to represent the Israeli flag.
Least fascist Brazilian
— Frank the Fisticuffs Fella (@FisticuffsFella) October 14, 2023
Pereira was most recently scheduled to fight Stephen Thompson at UFC 291. However, Pereira could not make the welterweight limit, and Thompson refused to accept a fight at catchweight. It resulted in Dana White and the promotion bashing Thompson for not accepting the fight and further short-notice fights. However, the issue was resolved after Thompson accepted to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 296.
Fans react to Michel Pereira repping the Israeli Flag at UFC Fight NIght 230 after Dana White lifted the ban
Michel Pereira is one of the most exciting fighters on the UFC roster. Known for his unpredictable techniques, he has electrified MMA fans across the globe. However, at UFC Fight Night 230, it was his choice of using the Israeli flag at the walkout that garnered reaction from the MMA community.
The comments on social media were mixed on Michel Pereira using the Israeli Flag. See the social media of Pereira’a action below!
Hope he gets sparked in every fight he has
— Porter (@BakedDana) October 14, 2023
Next week's UFC 294 in the Middle East is going to be interesting 👀
— Spooky Degenaro (@Spooky47Crypto) October 15, 2023
Dana dropping the flag ban couldn't be timed better
— BernandoSalsa (@BernardoSalsa) October 14, 2023
The social media reaction had people taking sides for and against Michel Pereira. When asked about his decision to walk with the Israeli flag at the post-fight press conference, Pereira said that he decided to support Israel after seeing a video of an Israeli kid suffering after the Hamas attack. Interestingly, at next week’s pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi, the chances of seeing the Palestinian flags are very high.
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