“Demolidor” has a new home.
Former ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Michel Pereira will make his first post-UFC look against former Contender Series hopeful In Soo Hwang at ZFN 5 on Sat., Dec. 19, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea.
Advertisement
Z Fight Night (ZFN), the promotion based by former UFC title challenger Chan Sung Jung, announced the Middleweight matchup Monday. The occasion will stream dwell on UFC Fight Pass.
Pereira (32-15, 2 NC) turned a free agent following his unanimous resolution loss to Shara Magomedov at UFC Baku in June. The Brazilian had accomplished his earlier contract with a split-decision win over Zachary Reese before returning on a one-fight deal against “Shara Bullet.”
That bout was not without controversy.
Magomedov repeatedly grabbed Pereira’s hair during grappling exchanges, but referee Herb Dean did not deduct a level. Pereira in the end lost on all three judges’ scorecards, ending his UFC tenure with a 10-6 promotional report.
Advertisement
Pereira produced his best work at Welterweight, where he rattled off eight consecutive victories. After transferring to Middleweight, “Demolidor” scored three straight first-round finishes and appeared poised to become a authentic contender.
His momentum came crashing down against Anthony Hernandez, who battered Pereira en route to a fifth-round stoppage (watch highlights). Pereira in the end lost 4 of his last 5 UFC appearances before getting into free company.
Now, the 33-year-old returns to the regional scene for the first time since becoming a member of UFC in 2019. South Korea is acquainted territory for Pereira, who went 3-0 with three knockouts under the Road FC banner before reaching the Octagon.
Hwang (9-2) will not be a tender touchdown.
Advertisement
The former Road FC Middleweight champion unsuccessfully competed for a UFC contract on Contender Series in 2025, dropping a unanimous resolution to Paddy McCorry. However, “Legendary” rebounded in May by stopping former Bellator and Professional Fighters League (PFL) veteran Alex Polizzi in the third spherical of the ZFN 4 major occasion.
Pereira made a title for himself in South Korea before reaching UFC. Now, he will attempt to start the next chapter of his profession in the same nation.
For more regional MMA information, click on here.
Source hyperlink
