Renowned referee claims that Michel Pereira’s ‘somersault strike’ was illegal; review bid

Protagonist of ‘Performance of the Night’ on UFC 301, Michel Pereira he caused controversy by delivering the ‘Fumo Mix’, a blow that causes him to somersault and fall on top of his opponents. By repeating the movement, the Brazilian raised questions as to whether he had hit someone in the face. Ihor Potieriaa result that would possibly end up generating disqualification.

In the view of renowned referee Guilherme Bravo, the blow did hit the opponent’s face and should have been penalized by the committee present at the scene. Despite watching the replay, the professionals saw no illegality or reasons that would nullify the victory.

“I can’t say with 100% accuracy whether it’s the knee or the part of the shin that slips and hits (Ihor’s face). It really appears to be the knee. In the view from home and in the replay they show there, it does hit the tip of the face. If it hits, it is an illegal blow (…) we know that the fighter on the ground cannot receive a blow to the head. Got it right. Regardless of whether it slipped, I caught it on the shoulder and part of it on the face. It caught on and it’s illegal”, declared Guilherme in an interview with the PVT channel.

Used to delivering different blows, Michel stated that he is willing to take the risk of being penalized, but that he will not end any risky strategy because he is a UFC ‘showman’.

Watch the moment Michel performs somersault over Ihor

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