Alex Pereira issues furious statement after fighter suddenly cut from UFC

After Brazilian UFC fighter Michel Pereira became the first of the names culled from the UFC by Dana White, compatriot Alex Pereira has lashed out at the promotion and blames refereeing decisions.

Following four defeats in five fights, after an eight bout win streak, Dana White called time on Michel Pereira’s time in the UFC.

With a 10-4 record, he will now move back down the MMA pecking order, with hopes of reviving his career and making his way back to the big-time octagon cards.

His culling was confirmed alongside Sedriques Dumas, with more expected to follow as the UFC opens its doors to fresh blood.

But Pereira’s exit hasn't been well-received by everyone, as Alex Pereira has taken to social media in an explosive rant.

Alex Pereira lashes out at referees as fellow fighter axed from UFC

Despite sharing a surname, the Brazilian fighters aren't related, but they do hold each other in high regard as stellar UFC candidates.

According to Alex, Michel’s removal from the UFC card comes as a result of referee decisions, something that he has recently been very critical of himself.

Pereira took to Instagram to say, “Greg could have sent this guy earlier and maybe it would have been acceptable, but paying such a high price because of a refereeing mistake is impossible to accept,” he said.

“The UFC has already done, and continues to do, everything I ask within the organisation’s reach.

“But it's sad to see this and not be upset. Many athletes don't say anything, but tomorrow it could be you going through this kind of situation, and there will be no point in sending me a message asking for help.

“It's sad that not even the UFC has control over this, and because of that, our sport keeps being tarnished.”

Pereira continued to reveal that his record is very similar to his compatriots, with only one fewer loss.

“My MMA record is 16 fights, 13 wins and 3 losses.”

That doesn't consider form, though, as Michel Pereira started life in the UFC with an eight-fight unbeaten streak, but has since lost four in his last five outings in the octagon.

Alex Pereira has recent form against the referees, though.

His own fight was called into question as referee Herb Dean was accused of missing repeated blows to the back of the Brazilians head, as the fighter showed extensive damage to the area on social media.

Pereira said opponent Ciryl Gane - who has previously been at the centre of controversy with Tom Aspinall through the eye-poking fiasco - ‘cheated’ in the fight.

Dean responded and defended his refereeing, but Pereira continues to claim foul and points the finger at the UFC officials.