After another dazzling performance in the Octagon on Saturday night, high-flying Brazilian UFC sensation Michel Pereira has become the latest fighter to take aim at Jorge Masvidal and his 'Bad Motherf*cker' belt.
Pereira, whose entry into the UFC was propelled by a viral video of his acrobatic style of fighting in early 2019, turned in a typically entertaining performance as he submitted Russia's Zelim Imadaev seconds from the end of the final round in Las Vegas.
Also on rt.com 'Mad Ninja': Brazil's Michel Pereira leaves MMA fans stunned with spectacular moves (VIDEO)The prelude to the finish displayed Pereira at his most exuberant: jumping knees, kicks off the cage, as well as Nate Diaz-style slaps and even Conor McGregor's infamous hands-behind-the-back taunt.
The 27-year-old fighter is no carnival act, though, with the end of the fight – a suplex into a rear-naked choke submission – emphasizing both his talent and his fondness for the spectacular.
And with the win, Pereira called for an uptick in competition - with one man in particular in his firing line.
"Dana White, Sean Shelby, I want the ‘BMF’ belt," he said in his post-fight interview.
"Jorge Masvidal beware! You are next!
"I came to give the show that I said I was going to give," Pereira said.
"I was ready for wherever that fight was going to go. I dance the way the music plays."
Also on rt.com 'I've had better fights than this!' Michel Pereira delivers stunning knockout in his UFC debut