Pereira Appeals Magomedov Loss Over Hair-Pulling

Michel Pereira is moving to overturn his loss to Shara Magomedov at UFC Baku, claiming referee Herb Dean failed to penalize multiple fouls that changed the course of the fight.

The Brazilian dropped Magomedov early but watched his opponent grab his topknot to neutralize ground strikes, per MMA Mania. Eye pokes and a fence grab followed later in the bout. Dean issued warnings but no point deductions. The judges scored the contest for Magomedov, and Pereira was cut from the roster days later.

Pereira Claims Single Point Would Have Changed Result

Pereira told Ignition Poker Brazil that he is working with a lawyer behind the scenes to have the decision reviewed. "Shara pulled my hair three times. Herb Dean warned him but never deducted a point," he said. "Based on the scorecards, a single point deduction would have made the fight a 28-28 draw. I firmly believe that refereeing errors completely changed the outcome of my career."

He added that referees lecture fighters on rules backstage but fail to enforce them when it matters. "I've had nearly fifty fights; I know the rules. Referees just need to do their jobs consistently."

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has backed his countryman's position. Pereira had lost four of his previous five heading into Baku, with his lone win a split decision over Zachary Reese.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Herb Dean’s fault! Michel Pereira to appeal controversial loss to Shara Magomedov: ‘Pulled my hair three times’ | MMA Mania