Michel Pereira Gets New Opponent for UFC Vancouver on Saturday

The flying knee was just the appetizer for the KO #UFCRochester pic.twitter.com/GVpoC9w4hf

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 18, 2019

Michel Pereira will get to remain on the UFC Vancouver card, as Tristan Connelly will step in on short notice to face the flashy Brazilian.

TSN was first to report the new welterweight booking. Pereira was initially slated to meet Sergey Khandozhko, but visa issues forced the Russian to withdraw from the bout. UFC Fight Night 158 takes place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Saturday and is headlined by a lightweight clash between Donald Cerrone and Justin Gaethje. The card will air in its entirety on ESPN+.

Known for his highlight-reel knockouts and flamboyant attacks, Pereira had a successful Octagon debut, as he knocked out Danny Roberts with a flying knee and punch at UFC Fight Night 152 on May 18. The 25-year-old known as “Demolidor” owns a 22-9 career mark with two no contests and has finished 15 of his victories inside the distance.

Canada’s Connelly has compiled a 13-6 record while competing on the regional circuit. “Boondock” is currently on a four-bout winning streak in which he has finished all of his opponents.