Pereira (32-14 MMA) will enter the fight hoping to snap a three-fight losing skid. ‘Demolidor’ has had setbacks against Anthony Hernandez, Abus Magomedov and Kyle Daukaus in his three most recent Octagon appearances. Prior to that tough stretch, Pereira had won eight in a row, five of which came via stoppage.
Meanwhile, Zachary Reese (10-3 MMA) was most recently seen in action last November, where he scored a submission victory over Jackson McVey. ‘Savage’ has gone 4-1 with one no-contest in his past six fights overall.
Two guys who make sure their fights don’t last long!
Zachary Reese vs…. @UFCPereira
[ #UFCHouston | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/4Z8w5hUdIU
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026
The first round of this UFC Houston middleweight matchup begins and Michel Pereira is able to score an early knockdown with a nice punch over the top. Things seem to be going well for Zachary Reese and ‘Demolidor’ chooses to get him back on his feet. The fighters trade kicks and Pereira complains of a low blow. The referee intervenes and pauses the action. Repeatedly the kick turned out to be legal. Yet we start again. Reese continues to work his kicks. A low kick and then one to the body. Another nice body kick from Zach. The Brazilian returns fire with a jab to the body. Two more low kicks from Reese and again Pereira indicates there was one low. Again, the replay seems to show otherwise. Both men throw bombs on the restart. Pereira gets the fight to the ground. He landed some decent left hands. Reese scribbles. Michel Pereira grabs him by the neck, but then lets go. Zachary Reese is back on his feet. He comes forward with a 1-2. Pereira responds with a jab. Flying kick from Reese. The horn sounds to end the first round.
EARLY RIGHT HAND 👊
[ #UFCHouston | @UFCPereira | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/ah7bCmbwPE
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026
Round two of this middleweight bout begins and Michel Pereira lands some big knees to the body to start. A nice punch over the top also fits in. Zachary Reese wants to fire back, but ends up stabbing his opponent in the eye. Another break in the action. Yes. We restart and Reese gets a takedown. Pereira scrambles to her feet and gets back up. A nice left hand from Michel. Reese is bloodied. ‘Demolidor’ attacks the body with a kick. Reese spins and misses with a back fist. Two minutes remain in the second round. A low kick and then one to the body of Zachary Reese. He lands quite over the top. Michel Pereira with a low kick and then a left hook that misses. Another body kick from Reese finds the mark. He tries a high kick, but it is dodged by Pereira. Very right from Reese. ‘Demolidor’ with a front kick to the body. Reese answers with another body kick and then a knee. The horn sounds to end the second round.
RIGHT ON THE HORN 🚨
[ #UFCHouston | @UFCPereira | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/tseJP52J6a
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026
The third and final round of this UFC Houston middleweight bout begins and Zachary Reese lands another nice kick to the body to start. Michel Pereira counters with a left hook. Good low kick from Reese. He seems to be the fresher fighter. Low kick from Reese. The fighters clinch briefly and Michel lands a knee to the body. Reese drops down for a takedown but chooses to deliver a knee and return to range. A nice right hand connects for Pereira. He lands clean left as Reese tries a low kick. A head kick hits partially for Zachary. There are less than 3 minutes left. Both men swing wild shots. Pereira with a good left hand. Reese with a big 1-2. Michel gets a late knee and we go to the judges scorecards for the decision.
RIGHT ON THE HORN 🚨
[ #UFCHouston | @UFCPereira | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/tseJP52J6a
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2026
Official UFC Houston Results: Michel Pereira def. Zachary Reese via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29)
Who would you like to see Pereira fight next after his win over Reese tonight in Texas? Share your thoughts in the comments section Penn Nation!
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