UFC Vegas 99: Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira: Live round-by-round updates
This weekend's UFC fight card at the Apex Facility in Las Vegas features a thrilling middleweight showdown between Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira.
Hernandez enters the fight wielding a five-fight win streak with four stoppages. The former Legacy Fighting Alliance middleweight champion recently picked up a second-round submission victory over Roman Kopylov at UFC 298, which solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the division. He's currently ranked No.13 in the middleweight bracket.
Pereira, meanwhile, is undefeated in eight fights, including three straight finishes since moving to middleweight. Known for his dynamic skills and unpredictable style, the Brazilian has refined his approach, trading his wild unpredictability for a more calculated, yet explosive style. Pereira’s impressive octagon resume includes seven post-fight bonuses.
Both fighters are eager to push deeper into title contention with a victory this weekend. The event is set to go down on Oct. 19 with the prelims starting at 4 pm ET/1 pm PT. Meanwhile, the main card is expected to kick off live on ESPN+ at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira clash:
Round 1
Pereira opens up with jabs to the body and a front kick to the midsection. Pereira hurts Hernandez with several strikes. Hernandez maintains his composure and pressures his opponent to land a few punches. He swarms in with quick punches and initiates a clinch against the cage. A quick right hand to an immediate takedown attempt from Hernandez. Pereira uses the Thai clinch and lands a few knee strikes to the body. Hernandez lands a solid spinning elbow against the cage and takes his opponent down.
Our Score: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 2
Strong jab and an immediate shot for the takedown attempt from Hernandez. Hernandez gets creative with his striking, landing the second spinning kick to the knees of his rival. He swarms in for a takedown attempt but falls straight into a guillotine choke attempt by Pereira. While he managed to get a good squeeze on the attempt, Hernandez defended the attempt and ended up in top control. Solid ground-and-pound from Hernandez but Pereira creates space to break free from the position.
However, Hernandez is relentless in his pursuit of the takedown as he takes his opponent down every time he gets back on his feet. Tireless action from Hernandez as he lands vicious strikes from top control to close out a dominant round.
Our Score: 10-8 Hernandez
Round 3
Hernandez picks up the action from where he left off in the second round. It's Hernandez's technique against Pereira's heart in the fight as of now. Relentless ground-and-pound from Hernandez while he occasionally tries to lock in a few submission attempts. He has already passed the century mark in terms of significant strikes landed in the round.
Our Score: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 4
At this point, Pereira seems content with adjusting to the terms dictated by Hernandez. The American is currently operating in auto-pilot mode, landing vicious strikes from top control. He has already attempted 24 takedowns in the fight according to the UFC broadcast team. Heavy hammer strikes from Hernandez as the referee urges Pereira to fight back.
Our Score: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 5
Pereira's corner pushes him to chase the finish. However, Hernandez's relentless takedown attempts and ground-and-pound assault forced the referee to step in to close the fight. The middleweight division has a new contender in the mix.
Official Result
Anthony Hernandez defeats Michel Pereira via TKO at the 2:22 mark of the fifth round.