One of the most anticipated UFC debuts in years despite sporting just a 3-1 record, Alex Pereira arrived in the octagon at UFC 268. And arrived in style.
A decorated kickboxer, the allure of Pereira was mainly his wins over Israel Adesanya. In the kickboxing world, Pereira had defeated “The Last Stylebender” twice, once by vicious knockout.
Welcoming Pereira to the promotion was Greek middleweight Andreas Michailidis, coming off the first win of his short UFC career.
Pereira took center cage right away and a minute in Michailidis shot in on the legs. Getting in on the legs he took Pereira down. Right away though Pereira got back to his feet along the cage. Michailidis put Pereira back down to a knee threatening to take the back. Pereira would get back to his feet. Still stuck against the cage Pereira was struggling to escape. The ref separated them but Michailidis tied right back up and ended the round in control in the clinch.
Michailidis’ game plan was clear. It wouldn’t matter for much longer.
In round two Pereira opened up with a head kick but it was blocked. Then Pereira threw a flying switch knee and it landed flush. It put Michailidis down and the ground punches, barely necessary, sent the ref in.
The MW division just got put on NOTICE 😳
[ #UFC268 | Prelims are LIVE on ESPNews & ESPN+ ] pic.twitter.com/wZbuaYuLal
— UFC (@ufc) November 7, 2021
There’s not a ton that needs to be said after a debut like that. Michailidis might have been a favorable match-up to some extent — but Pereira did exactly what he needed to do. And more.
Official Result: Alex Pereira def. Andreas Michailidis by TKO (flying knee and punches), Round 2, 0:18
