'Shara Bullet' slams 'hypocrite' Michel Pereira ahead of UFC Baku fight

Shara Bullet Magomedov has launched a sharp attack on Michel Pereira ahead of their middleweight clash at UFC Baku, accusing the Brazilian of hypocrisy over his public support for Israel. Magomedov referenced Pereira's 2023 decision to walk out carrying an Israeli flag after his first-round knockout of Andre Petroski, criticizing the gesture as performative activism.

"In my eyes, he's a hypocrite," Magomedov told Red Corner MMA. "To raise the flag of Israel after the fight—a state that, in front of billions of people, committed genocide against Gaza, against kids and women—at the very moment when the whole world condemned it." Magomedov further questioned Pereira's philanthropic efforts in Brazil, alleging that his rescue dog content is social media posturing rather than genuine charity work.

Pereira (32–14) has previously justified carrying the Israeli flag by citing friendships with Israeli nationals and emotional responses to videos he had watched. The Brazilian is coming off an upset victory over Zachary Reese that ended a three-fight losing streak. Magomedov (16–1) enters Saturday's bout at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku riding a rebound win over Marc-Andre Barriault following his lone professional defeat against Michael Page. The fight is scheduled for Saturday in Azerbaijan.