Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Michel Pereira capitalized in a big spot earlier tonight (Sat., Sept. 5, 2020) at UFC Vegas 9 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the flashy welterweight ended Russian prospect Zelim Imadaev via third-round submission (rear-naked choke).
This fight was all Pereira from the opening bell. The Brazilian fighter was certainly more patient than his usual wild self, but his impressive display of violence still came through. From superman punches off the cage to spinning kicks to the body, Pereira was creative and efficient for the entirety of the fight.
Pereira finished his efforts in the third round when he was able to control Imadaev from behind and go in for the rear-naked choke. The referee may have stepped in a little early but Pereira would have just done more damage.
Check out the finish above and the rest of the highlights below, all courtesy of UFC/ESPN:
EXPLOSIVE @UFCPereira launching a brutal knee early. #UFCVegas9 pic.twitter.com/QvemZgA2MU
— UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2020
WON’T BACK DOWN!
Pereira & Imadaev with a little extra as the round comes to a close #UFCVegas9 pic.twitter.com/rENgFB1XqO
— UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2020
Michel Pereira back to his usual antics #UFCVegas9 pic.twitter.com/fwItI0pTgU
— UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2020
Call him SUPERMAN with that punch.
@UFCPereira is pulling out the tricks tonight!
[ We’re LIVE on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/006GvguXTp
— UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2020
Blew him a kiss then slapped him!?
@UFCPereira is truly in his element tonight. #UFCVegas9 pic.twitter.com/i80f35cot5
— UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2020
For complete UFC Vegas 9 results and coverage click here.