After his UFC Vegas 55 victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio Michel Pereira would like to face Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. The latter matchup carries more personal stakes.
The good-natured Pereira likes the Diaz matchup for the same reasons most fighters who want to fight him – and exciting buildup and a fun night at the office. But the unpredictable striker doesn’t feel so good about an interaction Masvidal had with his wife on social media, and that’s enough of a reason to include “Gamebred” on the list.
“I really want to fight Nate Diaz, because I think it would be really fun to slap each other around,” Pereira told reporters after his split decision over Ponzinibbio. “I think it would be a really fun fight. I think we’re going to put on a show for all the fans. Or Jorge Masvidal, because I have a little bit of a problem with him, and I want to settle it.
“He sent my wife an emoji, the one with two hands in a ‘amen’ shape. He didn’t send it to me. He has never met me. He was busy so I decided to try to get to know him. But I might as well understand inside the octagon, settle it over there.”
Pereira did not provide any context. Part of his goal at UFC Vegas 55 was to get in the position where his callouts would have more of an effect, and beating Ponzinibbio, once on the short list for a title shot with seven straight wins, was a great start.
“First of all, it’s a tough division out there,” he said. “The first step for me is getting into the rankings. I used to talk to no one, but now my words have a bit more power. Now, I can make a mess in the division. This was my first step, and I feel the next is to fight people in the .”
rankings.
Ranking at No. 8 promoted, Masvidal may be less able to negotiate with his next opponent. A recent arrest for an alleged assault of his former roommate and teammate, Colby Covington, promises to hold up his fighting career for the immediate future. Many speculate that it might lead to a rematch of the top-tier welterweights who have each lost to Kamaru Usman twice.
According to reports, Diaz is on the way out. Stockton star from California has asked for a last booking with the UFC to allow him to move on. However, it is unclear if he is serious about his request or just negotiating the next deal.
What’s important to Pereira now is getting the kinds of matchups he wants after spending so much time on the other side of the rankings, waiting for his opportunity as others sought more notable opponents.
“The fight that I’m looking for is guys that I want to fight against,” Pereira said. I understand that there is a place and a time to raise the funds. There’s money. We know we’re going to make money off of this, but can you imagine, myself and Nate Diaz fighting, all the stuff a fight like this, with all our shenanigans and everything else. Your work is what you make, which I have always considered. This is the time for me to show my fans that I am going to make some money.
Pereira is confident that if it’s an excellent night at work against Diaz, Pereira will deliver his best. Pereira believes he will be able to make Masvidal apologize for his behaviour.
