Former UFC fighter Markus Perez reportedly in ICE custody for more than a month

Former UFC middleweight Markus Perez has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody for over a month following his detention on July 15 while visiting relatives in Salt Lake City. According to Brazilian outlet Recorte da Luta, Perez has since been transferred between detention facilities and is currently held in California as his immigration case proceeds.

Perez, 36, competed in the UFC seven times between 2017 and 2021, posting a 2–5 record before moving on to other combat sports organizations including Karate Combat. His most recent MMA appearance came in March at Peak Fighting 51, where he submitted Lajuan Davis with a rear-naked choke in the first round.

According to a fundraiser posted through his official Instagram account, Perez was pursuing an EB-1 visa and his request for bond was denied. The fundraiser is seeking $25,000 to cover legal fees and other expenses related to the proceedings. No timeline has been announced for his release or the resolution of his immigration case.