Michel Pereira says UFC wants him to fight Neil Magny next, not Stephen Thompson
UFC welterweight contender Michel Pereira says the UFC wants him to fight Neil Magny next, not Stephen Thompson.
Pereira is the No. 15 ranked UFC welterweight and he has requested a fight against Thompson, the No. 7 ranked fighter in the division, a fight that “Wonderboy” also wants since it’s a striker vs. striker matchup and he doesn’t want to fight a grappler next. However, it appears as though the UFC does not want to book this fight, and instead, the matchmakers like the prospects of a fight pitting Pereira against No. 13 ranked Magny instead.
Speaking to AG Fight, Pereira explained why he originally wanted to fight Thompson.
“I went after it to see. I want to fight Thompson and Thompson also said he wanted to fight me, but for some reason, the UFC doesn’t want this fight. That’s what was passed on to my managers and they don’t say the reason for not closing this fight. I agreed to fight Thompson and Thompson agreed to fight me. The UFC doesn’t want to do this fight and I don’t know why. The UFC denied it. I went after him, put my foot down, but the UFC says they won’t put me up to fight him. I do not know what is happening. I deserve it, I have five consecutive victories. All my fights sell a lot, I put on a show, I get bonuses. I deserved it, but they don’t want to close the fight,” Pereira said.
Instead, as Pereira revealed, the organization wants him to fight Magny, a fight that the Brazilian admits doesn’t excite him as much as a potential fight with Thompson would. At this point, no fight is official, but it does appear Pereira vs. Magny will be the next fight.
“Now, we are in negotiation to face Magny. I didn’t want to fight him, but it was the guy with the ranking they gave me. The way is to fight him and then I’ll ask. If I beat Magny, I’ll ask to fight Thompson in Rio de Janeiro (in January). Ordered for late October or early November. I’ll take this fight with Magny. I didn’t want him, because I don’t think it’s fair for a guy like me, who’s been doing what he’s been doing in the organization, because I was top-14 and he was top-13, so I think they should give me a top-10, a top- 8. I think the UFC should give me something better, but they don’t, they won’t and the way is to beat Magny anyway,” Pereira said.
Would you rather see the UFC match up Michel Pereira against Neil Magny next or Stephen Thompson?
