MMA legends Daniel Cormier, Ray Longo, Kenny Florian and Jon Anik discuss one of the most controversial moments from UFC 301: Michel Pereira's backflip.
As the dust settles on UFC 301, two controversies are being hotly debated in the MMA world. Jack Shore's match was called off due to a “bizarre” injury and Michel Pereira could be disqualified for his backflip antics.
Michelle Pereira almost loses by DQ on backflip
Fan-favorite Brazilian middleweight Michel Pereira inadvertently hits his opponent on the ground with his knee in the head while backflipping past Poteira's guard during his main card bout against Ihor Poteira at UFC 301. , almost getting disqualified.
Pereira landed a deep guillotine choke just seconds later, earning him the eighth submission victory of his career, but the panel will decide whether the backflip knee was careless or illegal (and could have resulted in a DQ). There appeared to be an argument, and there was confusion at cage side. – worthy) strike.
Luckily, UFC fans have the expertise of some MMA legends. So what do commentators, trainers and former world champion fighters think of Pereira's backflip?
UFC legends discuss Pereira's backflip, almost ending in DQ
Given that the backflip resulted in shin and head contact, although it was relatively minimal as the knee landed mostly in the shoulder/neck area, whether Pereira should be disqualified; There was some debate within the mixed martial arts community as to whether or not it would turn out that way. It should have been overturned to a no contest.
Daniel Cormier was the first to step up to the plate to give his expert opinion on the controversy, revealing how Michel Pereira's corner reacted when told his backflip could result in a DQ loss. Ta.
“When I told him and his coach, you could have seen the energy draining from those players. They cried, thinking that great performance and that chalk was going to turn into a no contest. it was.”
“His heart just sank. [but] When he told the coaches he had won, there was just pure joy and jubilation. It was crazy. ”
“He's a wild guy and that's what makes him interesting, but I hope he understands in that moment that some of those actions can be very dangerous.” advised the former double champion.
Daniel Cormier's commentary booth partner Jon Anik shares his reaction to the controversy on the latest episode of Anik and Florian's podcast, in which Pereira risks a DQ to keep fans entertained. He pointed out that this was not the first time he had been affected.
“Obviously, it's not the first time he's done something like that in the Octagon. I was thinking about that while preparing for the fight, because he's come close to landing before. .”
“Inadvertent or accidental? I don't think they're going to DQ him or take away points, but they have to be careful with their weapons,” said the fan-favorite commentator.
“I thought it was a marginal fine, but the examiner said it was legal, so we move on, but we have to be careful.”
Podcast co-host and UFC legend Kenny Florian went so far as to claim that Pereira's agility and showmanship are weapons in and of themselves, saying, “Oh my god, his athleticism, it's… It’s a cheat code.”
“This shows he's a man. It's beyond winning. He wants to show his skills. He needs a big ball, like he's there to entertain. So I can appreciate that too. It's one thing to do it in training and another thing to do it in a live performance.” He fights when it matters and gets it done. ”
Finally, veteran coach Ray Longo added his own take on the matter, laughing as he said: “If I see a player backflip past a guard within the next month, I'm going to kill myself.”
“When that guy is on his back, you're thinking in your head, 'I need to take this off as soon as possible,'” Longo said, explaining that even if he hits the shin, the backflip won't result in a DQ. I explained the reason why. Pereira landed cleanly on his opponent's head at UFC 301.
“The guy is having fun out there. As far as the legality of it, it's definitely a coincidence. It's not like he did anything on purpose because you never know where it's going to land.”
“Normally I don't like fighters who showboat, but this guy is having so much fun, and it's just part of his game,” he claims, adding that it's difficult for a fighter to compete in such matches. “There's something fun about that” from a fan's perspective, he added, taking risks with the goal of entertaining viewers.
With his win at UFC 301, Michel Pereira improves to 31-11 as a professional.
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