Record: Alex Pereira, recognised as “Poatan,” has unexpectedly ascended the ranks of blended martial arts (MMA), setting up himself as one in all the game’s most bold competitors. With a history in kickboxing, wherein he held titles in more than one weight classes, Pereira transitioned to MMA and executed remarkable fulfillment in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
As of January 2025, he holds the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and is a former UFC Middleweight Champion, making him the primary fighter to stable titles in each division in the organization.
Early Life and Kickboxing Career
Born on July 7, 1987, in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil, Alex Sandro Silva Pereira has indigenous ancestry from the Pataxó tribe. His nickname “Poatan,” meaning “Stone Hands” in the Tupi language, displays his hanging prowess. Pereira’s adventure into fight sports activities commenced with kickboxing, wherein he showcased brilliant talent.
He has become the primary fighter to concurrently keep Glory titles in weight classes: middleweight and mild heavyweight. His kickboxing record stands at 33 wins, 21 by way of knockout, and seven losses.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Pereira made his expert MMA debut in 2015, bringing his hanging knowledge into the cage. His early fights proved his knockout electricity, quickly garnering interest in the MMA community. In 2021, he signed with the UFC, marking the start of a wonderful adventure in the organization.
UFC Middleweight Championship
Pereira’s UFC profession won massive momentum with a chain of amazing victories, mainly to an identity shot towards the-champion Israel Adesanya. On November 12, 2022, at UFC 281, Pereira defeated Adesanya through technical knockout in the 5th spherical, taking pictures of the UFC Middleweight Championship. This victory became extremely good as Pereira had formerly defeated Adesanya two times in kickboxing, showcasing his dominance throughout each sports activity.
Move to Light Heavyweight and Championship Success
After protecting his middleweight identity, Pereira introduced a flow to the mild heavyweight division. His debut on this weight magnificence became not anything quick or spectacular. On November 11, 2023, at UFC 295, he confronted former champion Jiří Procházka for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Pereira secured a 2d-spherical TKO victory, turning into the 9th fighter in UFC records to win titles in distinctive weight classes.
Pereira’s reign at light heavyweight has been marked by means of interest and dominance. He made his first identity protection towards former champion Jamahal Hill on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300, prevailing via way of means of knockout in the first spherical. A rematch with Jiří Procházka accompanied on June 29, 2024, at UFC 303, wherein Pereira once more emerged victorious, this time through a head kick knockout in the 2d spherical.
His 0.33 identity protection took place on October 5, 2024, at UFC 307, wherein he defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. via means of technical knockout in the 4th spherical. This victory set a brand new UFC record for the shortest time among 3 consecutive identify defenses, executed in only one hundred seventy 5 days, surpassing the preceding file held via way of means of Ronda Rousey.
Fighting Style and Training
Pereira’s preventing fashion is closely encouraged via the means of his kickboxing history, characterised by means of effective hanging, precision, and a competitive approach. Standing at 6 toes 4 inches with an attainment that enhances his height, he successfully makes use of his bodily attributes to govern distance and supply devastating blows.
Training under the steering of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira at Teixeira MMA & Fitness, Pereira has additionally evolved a well-rounded talent set, such as grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning a black belt under Plinio Cruz.
Personal Life
Outside the octagon, Pereira is understood for his humility and connection to his roots. He has sons together along with his ex-spouse and has been open about his indigenous historical past, frequently reminiscent of the Pataxó tribe. His sister, Aline Pereira, is likewise a fight sports activities athlete, having competed in kickboxing and made her MMA debut in 2022.
Memorable Fights in Pereira’s Career
Pereira vs. Adesanya I (UFC 281)
This relatively predicted combat saw Pereira dethrone Israel Adesanya, cementing his region as a dual-subject champion. Pereira’s technical knockout in the very last spherical event became an anciental moment, because it showcased his resilience and deadly hanging even after dealing with adversity in the course of the combat.
Pereira vs. Jiří Procházka (UFC 295)
In his mild heavyweight debut, Pereira confronted Procházka for the vacant identity. This combat marked Pereira’s transition right into a better weight magnificence and highlighted his adaptability. The 2d-spherical TKO victory became an assertion to the division.
Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill (UFC 300)
Pereira’s first mild heavyweight identity protection against Jamahal Hill became an exciting contest. Pereira’s knockout victory in the first spherical match proved his persisted dominance and capacity to supply under pressure.
Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (UFC 307)
In this bout, Pereira showcased his persistence and strategy, defeating Rountree through TKO in the 4th spherical. This victory set a record for the shortest time among 3 identified defenses in UFC records.
Alex Pereira’s Impact on MMA and Combat Sports
Pereira’s upward thrust in MMA has not been anything meteoric. His fulfillment highlights the developing fashion of athletes transitioning from one fight recreation to another, proving that elite hanging capabilities can convey over to MMA with the proper training. His competition with Israel Adesanya, each in kickboxing and MMA, has drawn large interest to the game and improved each fighters’ profiles.
Moreover, Pereira’s indigenous historical past and his delight in representing Brazil’s Pataxó tribe have endeared him to lovers worldwide, including a completely unique cultural dimension to his story.
Looking Ahead
Alex Pereira has solidified himself as a dominant pressure in fight sports activities, excelling in each kickboxing and MMA. With a completely unique mixture of knockout electricity, technical precision, and adaptability, he has damaged statistics and captured the imaginations of lovers worldwide. His adventure from humble beginnings to UFC champion serves as a notion to aspiring athletes and a testimony to the electricity of tough work, resilience, and embracing one’s roots.
FAQs
Where does Alex Pereira train?
Pereira trains at Teixeira MMA & Fitness, a health club owned with the aid of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira. The health club Nasium is located in Danbury, Connecticut, USA.
Has Alex Pereira ever fought in Glory Kickboxing?
Yes, Alex Pereira is a former Glory Kickboxing champion. He made records with the aid of retaining titles in each the middleweight and mild heavyweight divisions simultaneously. His kickboxing record of 33 wins, along with 21 knockouts, solidified his popularity as one of the exceptional strikers in fight sports.
How tall is Alex Pereira?
Alex Pereira stands 6 toes 4 inches (193 cm) tall, making him one of the taller combatants in each the middleweight and mild heavyweight divisions.
Is Alex Pereira associated with Aline Pereira?
Yes, Aline Pereira is Alex Pereira’s sister. She has competed in expert kickboxing and lately transitioned to MMA, making her debut in 2022.
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