TLDR
- Michel Pereira defeated Zachary Reese by split decision at UFC Houston on Saturday night
- The win ended Pereira’s three-fight losing streak dating back to May 2024
- Fans booed the decision and many called it a ‘robbery’ on social media
- The fight was interrupted multiple times by fouls including groin strikes and an eye poke
- Judges scored the bout 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in Pereira’s favor
Michel Pereira returned to the win column at UFC Houston on Saturday night, but the 32-year-old Brazilian fighter may not have won over many fans in the process. Pereira defeated Zachary Reese by split decision in a fight that drew loud boos from the crowd at the Toyota Center.
The judges scored the bout 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in favor of Pereira. The win ended a difficult three-fight losing streak that had kept Pereira out of the win column since May 2024.
Many fans on social media called the decision a ‘robbery’ after the fight. Some even called for Pereira’s release from the UFC promotion.
“Everything was perfect.”
Michel Pereira (@UfcPereira) got back into the winner's circle with a gritty and entertaining performance against Zachary Reese. #UFCHouston
Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/IbyNcbfHLT pic.twitter.com/5GK8eFHTgy
— UFC News (@UFCNews) February 22, 2026
Fight Interrupted by Multiple Fouls
Pereira started strong with an early knockdown but chose not to follow Reese to the ground. The opening round was then interrupted twice by accidental groin strikes from Reese.
The second round saw Pereira land powerful knees in the clinch before another foul stopped the action. This time Reese accidentally poked Pereira in the eye.
Both fighters exchanged strikes for most of the second round. Reese had visible damage on his face by the end of it.
The third round continued with both men trading strikes until the final bell. The judges then delivered their controversial decision in Pereira’s favor.
The Losing Streak That Nearly Ended Pereira’s Career
Before his recent struggles, Pereira had built an impressive eight-fight win streak over four years. That success came to a sudden end in October 2024.
Anthony Hernandez finished Pereira with a fifth-round TKO at UFC Vegas 99. The loss moved Hernandez into the middleweight title conversation.
Pereira then lost his second straight fight in April 2025. He dropped a decision to Abus Magomedov in that bout.
His most recent setback came quickly at UFC Shanghai in August 2025. Kyle Daukaus knocked Pereira out in just 43 seconds.
The Brazilian fighter came into UFC Houston clearly fighting for his future with the promotion. A fourth straight loss would have likely ended his UFC career.
Pereira is known for his wild fighting style and flashy techniques. But style points meant nothing during his three-fight skid.
The split decision victory keeps Pereira on the UFC roster for now. However, the reaction from fans and the controversy surrounding the judges’ scorecards may put additional pressure on his next performance.
Reese appeared to have a strong case for winning the fight based on fan reaction. The multiple fouls he committed may have hurt his chances with the judges.
The UFC Houston crowd made their feelings clear with loud boos when the decision was announced. Social media reaction was equally harsh toward the outcome.
Pereira now holds a record that includes his eight-fight win streak and the recent rough patch. His next fight will determine whether Saturday’s controversial win was truly the start of a comeback.
