Stephen Thompson expressed his interest in fighting Michel Pereira, and now the Brazilian has issued his response.
“Demolidor” took to Twitter on Wednesday to respond to Thompson’s recent comments, saying that he would like to fight him next. Pereira (28-11 MMA, 6-2 UFC) accepted the challenge publicly, but is surprised why nothing has moved behind the scenes.
“I want to fight him, and he wants to fight me,” Pereira wrote on Twitter. “I don’t understand why this fight is not happening.
“I found out today that he wants to fight me and I want to fight him, but for some reason, the UFC doesn’t want to close this fight and I don’t know why this is already. I’m winning 5 consecutive wins, all my fights I always have a great performance, I deserve this fight!”
i want to fight him and he wants to fight me i don’t understand why this fight is not happening @ufc @UFCBrasil @espnmma @danawhite @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2 @combate @WonderboyMMA pic.twitter.com/tbuhHl63o1
— Michel Pereira ufc (@UfcPereira) August 31, 2022
I found out today that he wants to fight me and I want to fight him but for some reason the UFC doesn’t want to close this fight and I don’t know why this is already I’m winning 5 consecutive wins, all my fights I always have a great performance I deserve this fight! pic.twitter.com/ljHPq5Jq63
— Michel Pereira ufc (@UfcPereira) August 31, 2022
Pereira is indeed on an impressive run.
He has five consecutive victories, staying undefeated over the last two years. In that stretch, Pereira has defeated notable opposition such as Santiago Ponzinibbio and Niko Price. He last competed in May, beating Ponzinibbio in a split decision that won the Fight of the Night award.
Meanwhile, Thompson (16-6-1 MMA, 11-6-1 UFC) hasn’t been as active as the Brazilian. Thompson has yet to compete in 2022. His last fight was in December, when he lost a unanimous decision to top contender Belal Muhammad. Prior to that, he suffered a decision loss to Gilbert Burns – a defeat that snapped a two-fight winning streak.
Michel Pereira campaigns for bout vs. Stephen Thompson: ‘I deserve this fight!’
