Alex “Poatan”Pereira

Alex Pereira is a highly successful Brazilian mixed martial artist (MMA) and former professional kickboxer. Born on October 7, 1987 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Alex is best known for his phenomenal striking ability and powerful punches that have made him a feared competitor across different combat sports.

Prior to joining UFC, Pereira made a big name for himself in the world of kickboxing. He started training kickboxing when he was 22 years old and turned pro in 2009. During his kickboxing career, he has fought under the Glory promotion where he claimed the Middleweight and Interim Light Heavyweight titles, becoming the first fighter in Glory history to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. His notable achievements in kickboxing include victories over prominent fighters like Artem Levin, Yousri Belgaroui, and most famously, Israel Adesanya, who he is the only one to have ever knock out in a professional fight.

In November 2021, Pereira made his successful debut in the UFC, a major professional MMA promotion, defeating Andreas Michailidis by knockout in the second round. Despite his recent entry into the promotion, he’s already being touted as a potential threat to the middleweight division, fuelled by his strong kickboxing credentials and his previous victory over current Middleweight champion, Adesanya, in their kickboxing bout.

Pereira’s fighting style is characterized by his exceptional striking skills and power, honed over his kickboxing career. His punches, in particular, pack a formidable power that has earned him a reputation as a knockout artist. He utilises his reach very effectively, often keeping opponents at distance with long range strikes and then closing in quickly when an opportunity for a knockout presents itself.

Pereira embodies the kind of discipline and dedication to the craft that distinguishes successful fighters. According to his trainers, his work ethic is commendable and has played a significant role in his rapid ascent in the world of combat sports. In fact, he received a fight offer from the UFC just five days after his MMA debut and worked tirelessly to prepare for his promotional debut.

While Pereira is making waves in the UFC, his transition to MMA has not been without challenges. He has had to work on his ground game to keep up with the wider skill set required in MMA, while also preparing for longer, five-minute rounds as opposed to the three-minute rounds typical in kickboxing. Despite these hurdles, his UFC debut highlighted his growth as a mixed martial artist, signaling his readiness to compete in the premier MMA promotion.

In his personal life, Pereira has spoken about the role his family has played in his career and how they have motivated him to strive for greatness. A father of three, he’s expressed his aim to provide a good life for his children through his victories in the cage.

Pereira’s story is one of determination and hard work, his journey from a late starter in kickboxing to becoming a two-division Glory champion and a UFC fighter has shown his relentlessness. This biography serves as a testament to his success in the world of combat sports. As he continues to carve his path in the UFC, he is expected to leave an indelible mark in the history of MMA.