What Is UFC’s Michel Pereira’s Fighting Style? Is He a Capoeira Trained Fighter?

At UFC 301, Michel Pereira will take on Ihor Potieria and will be looking to extend his current win streak in the promotion to 8 in a row. The Brazilian is riding high on his submission victory over Michal Oleksiejczuk at UFC 299 on March 9, and despite the short time between the two events, Pereira’s presence on the Rio de Janeiro card will be a must-watch for fans. 

‘Demolidor’ is known by the fans for his spectacular displays of athleticism and unorthodox striking techniques that include back-flips, somersaults, and even some dance moves thrown in there for good measure! As such, let’s take a look and explore all we know about his fighting style and the story behind his ‘flashy’ techniques inside the Octagon!

Does Michel Pereira use capoeira in his fights?

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. While at first glance, it does appear that Michel Pereira’s style might be similar to a ‘capoeirista’, his background suggests otherwise. 

With a karate background, a lot of the kicks and techniques Pereira throws can be found in Shotokan, Kyokushin, and other forms of karate. And with his well-rounded skills in muay-thai and boxing, Pereira is equally capable in traditional striking forms too. 

But while his penchant for engaging in flashy and acrobatic moves may lead to confusion about his fighting style, it’s safe to say that Pereira is more of an instinctual fighter who flows with what he feels is right for the moment and does not necessarily use ‘Capoeira’ in his fights.

How did the Brazilian start his MMA journey?

According to information available online, Michel Pereira’s journey in martial arts started with Karate at the age of 12 under Rene Colares. He later added Brazilian jiu-jitsu to his arsenal at age 16 when he started training under Savio Roveno. 

His professional MMA career began in his native Para region of Brazil where he amassed a record of 9-3 before earning a chance to compete in larger promotions with more recognition like Jungle Fight and XFC. 

Michel Pereira’s UFC debut against Danny Roberts was highlighted by his unorthodox approach inside the Octagon. He ran off the fence twice, reminiscent of Anthony Pettis’s ‘Showtime Kick’, and tried a ‘Rolling Thunder’ kick that is usually seen in Kyokushin karate competitions and finished the bout via a flying knee and straight right-hand combination.  

As such, it’s hard to pin a particular fighting style on Pereira as he stated in an interview after the event, “It’s just my style; it’s what I feel in my heart and in my head, and it’s the way that I like to fight, I like to perform in a way that is unique and I don’t think about it — it’s just the way that I compete.”

‘Demolidor’s belts in BJJ and karate

‘Demolidor’ holds black belts in both disciplines and has also worked on his boxing skills with high-level trainers like Ulisess Pereira, a former Brazilian national team trainer. In a past interview, he stated, “I trained a lot in all styles, That’s why I feel I’m a black belt everywhere.”

Pereira started training in karate at the age of 12 and BJJ at the age of 16. Eventually, he earned his black belt in both disciplines – the former under Rene Corales and the latter under Savio Roveno.

Come May 4, the dynamic Brazilian will be looking to put on a show for his countrymen in the audience. What are your predictions for this one? Let us know in the comments below.