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Alex Pereira reignites Herb Dean criticism after UFC roster cut

2026-07-15 · Alex Pereira · Player Focus

Alex Pereira has reignited his criticism of referee Herb Dean following the UFC's decision to cut Michel Pereira from its roster. The Brazilian UFC champion expressed frustration over Dean's handling of fouls in recent fights, including Pereira's own loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC White House last month.

What happened?

Michel Pereira, a middleweight fighter, was released by the UFC after a controversial loss to Shara Bullet in Baku on June 27. Both Pereira and Alex Pereira, who are not related, have voiced concerns about Herb Dean's officiating. Alex Pereira took to Instagram to criticize the UFC's decision, arguing that Pereira's release was unfair given the referee's alleged mistakes.

Why it matters for Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira's frustration stems from his own experience with Herb Dean during his fight against Ciryl Gane. Pereira believes that Dean missed several fouls, including blows to the back of the head, which may have affected the outcome of the fight. Pereira's criticism highlights ongoing concerns about refereeing in the UFC and its impact on fighters' careers.

What comes next?

Alex Pereira is expected to return to the octagon later this year, though his opponent has not yet been announced. Pereira has hinted that he may request that Herb Dean not officiate his next fight. The UFC has yet to respond to Pereira's criticisms, but the issue of referee accountability remains a contentious topic in the MMA community.

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