Michel Pereira will take an eight-fight winning streak into his first main event appearance against Anthony Hernandez at UFC Vegas 99 on Saturday.
“I was really excited to fight in the Sphere, but my agent told me the UFC changed plans and gave me my first main event, which was also good,” Pereira told Sherdog.com. “So it was initially bad news that turned into a [something] good.”
Hernandez also has plenty of momentum, as “Fluffy” enters the matchup having won five consecutive Octagon appearances. Pereira is confident that his training at Xtreme Couture will provide him with the preparation necessary to emerge victorious.
“No doubt Hernendez is a dangerous guy who likes to put a lot of pressure on his opponents, but the level of training and sparring partners I have at Xtreme Couture will certainly help me to take him out of his comfort zone,” Pereira said. “I’ve evolved a lot lately. I’m really well prepared for his game and, concerning our style, I don’t see any chance of this fight going to the fifth round. I see myself knocking him out or submitting him before that.”
Pereira refused to target his next potential opponent should he defeat Hernandez on Saturday.
“Whenever I ask for an opponent it never works out,” he said. “I believe everything has a right time. I´ll let the UFC matchmakers do their job, and I’ll do mine — which is keep training hard to give a great show to the audience. Sooner or later, I’ll get my title shot.”
