Michel Pereira books first post-UFC fight at ZFN 5

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: Michel Pereira stands in his corner prior to a middleweight bout against Zachary Reese during UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center on February 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“Demolidor” has a new home.

Former ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Michel Pereira will make his first post-UFC appearance against former Contender Series hopeful In Soo Hwang at ZFN 5 on Sat., Dec. 19, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea.

Z Fight Night (ZFN), the promotion founded by former UFC title challenger Chan Sung Jung, announced the Middleweight matchup Monday. The event will stream live on UFC Fight Pass.

Pereira (32-15, 2 NC) became a free agent following his unanimous decision loss to Shara Magomedov at UFC Baku in June. The Brazilian had completed his previous 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 point. Pereira ultimately lost on all three judges’ scorecards, ending his UFC tenure with a 10-6 promotional record.

Pereira produced his best work at Welterweight, where he rattled off eight consecutive victories. After moving to Middleweight, “Demolidor” scored three straight first-round finishes and appeared poised to become a legitimate contender.

His momentum came crashing down against Anthony Hernandez, who battered Pereira en route to a fifth-round stoppage (watch highlights). Pereira ultimately lost four of his final five UFC appearances before entering free agency.

Now, the 33-year-old returns to the regional scene for the first time since joining UFC in 2019. South Korea is familiar 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 soft landing.

The former Road FC Middleweight champion unsuccessfully competed for a UFC contract on Contender Series in 2025, dropping a unanimous decision to Paddy McCorry. However, “Legendary” rebounded in May by stopping former Bellator and Professional Fighters League (PFL) veteran Alex Polizzi in the third round of the ZFN 4 main event.

Pereira made a name for himself in South Korea before reaching UFC. Now, he will attempt to begin the next chapter of his career in the same country.

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