Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan” (Stone Hands), is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer. Born on July 7, 1987, he has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a champion in two different weight divisions in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), holding both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles. Before transitioning to MMA, Pereira had a decorated kickboxing career, where he was a two-division Glory champion, simultaneously holding the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight belts – a first and only in Glory history. Known for his devastating knockout power, particularly his signature left hook, Pereira’s journey from a challenging upbringing to the pinnacle of combat sports is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and the sheer force of his “stone hands.” As of May 2025, despite recently losing his Light Heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, Pereira remains a top contender and a significant figure in the UFC, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
Introduction: From Favelas to Fighting Glory
Alex Sandro Silva Pereira, a name now synonymous with knockout power and championship pedigree in the world of combat sports, hails from humble beginnings in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil. His journey is far from a fairytale; it’s a story etched with the grit of overcoming adversity, the discipline of martial arts training, and the explosive impact of his formidable striking abilities.
Growing up in a favela, Pereira’s early life was marked by challenges. He left middle school to work as a bricklayer’s assistant and later in a tire shop. Influenced by his peers, he started drinking, eventually struggling with alcoholism. It was in 2009 that a pivotal decision changed the trajectory of his life: he began training in kickboxing as a way to combat his addiction. This marked the genesis of a combat sports career that would see him reach unprecedented heights in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
Before making waves in the UFC, Pereira honed his skills in the striking arts, amassing an impressive record in kickboxing, including multiple world championships under the prestigious Glory banner. His transition to MMA in 2015 further showcased his adaptability and striking prowess, culminating in his historic reign as a two-division UFC champion. This article delves into the multifaceted career of Alex Pereira, exploring his kickboxing dominance, his meteoric rise in MMA, his training philosophy, recent developments in his career as of 2025, and his enduring impact on the combat sports landscape.
The Kickboxing Foundation: Forging “Poatan”
Pereira’s foray into combat sports began with kickboxing, a discipline where he would quickly establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. His professional kickboxing career spanned from 2010 to 2021, during which he participated in 40 bouts, securing 33 wins, with a staggering 21 of those victories coming by way of knockout. This high knockout ratio was an early indicator of the immense power that would later define his MMA career.
Glory Kickboxing: A Two-Division Reign
The pinnacle of Pereira’s kickboxing journey was his time with Glory, one of the world’s premier kickboxing organizations. He achieved the unique distinction of becoming a two-division champion, simultaneously holding the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles.
Glory Middleweight Champion (2017-2021): Pereira captured the Glory Middleweight Championship in 2017 and successfully defended it five times against top contenders. His reign in this division solidified his reputation as an elite striker with exceptional knockout power.
Glory Interim and Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion (2019-2021): He added the Glory Light Heavyweight title to his accolades, first winning the interim belt in 2019 and later unifying it to become the undisputed champion in 2021. This achievement made him the first and only fighter in Glory history to hold titles in two weight classes concurrently.
His dominance in Glory not only earned him recognition as one of the best kickboxers in the world but also set the stage for his transition to mixed martial arts, where his striking pedigree would prove to be a significant advantage.
Transition to MMA: A New Arena, Same Devastating Power
Alex Pereira transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2015, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his combat sports journey. While his striking remained his primary weapon, he embarked on developing the other facets of MMA, including grappling and wrestling.
Early MMA Career: Jungle Fight and LFA
Before joining the UFC, Pereira gained MMA experience in promotions like Jungle Fight in Brazil and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) in the United States. He demonstrated his finishing ability early on, with several of his wins coming via knockout or TKO. Notably, his knockout victory in LFA 95 in November 2020 caught the attention of the UFC, paving the way for his entry into the world’s leading MMA organisation.
The UFC Journey: A Meteoric Rise to Double Championship Glory
Pereira’s arrival in the UFC in late 2021 was highly anticipated, largely due to his kickboxing background and his history with Israel Adesanya, whom he had defeated twice in kickboxing bouts.
UFC Debut and Early Knockouts
He made his UFC debut at UFC 268 in November 2021, securing a TKO victory over Andreas Michailidis with a spectacular flying knee and punches. This explosive finish immediately showcased his striking prowess to the UFC audience. He followed this with a unanimous decision win over Bruno Silva and a first-round knockout of Sean Strickland, rapidly climbing the middleweight rankings.
Capturing the Middleweight Championship
Just three fights into his UFC career, Pereira was granted a title shot against his old foe, Israel Adesanya, at UFC 281 in November 2022. In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Pereira rallied in the fifth round to secure a TKO victory, capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship. This victory was a testament to his resilience and knockout power, solidifying his status as a top-tier MMA fighter.
Loss and Move to Light Heavyweight
Their rematch at UFC 287 in April 2023 saw Adesanya reclaim the title with a second-round knockout. Following this loss, Pereira decided to move up to the light heavyweight division.
Light Heavyweight Dominance and Championship Win
Pereira’s light heavyweight debut was against former champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC 291 in July 2023, where he earned a split decision victory. This win positioned him for a shot at the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Jiří Procházka at UFC 295 in November 2023. Pereira once again demonstrated his finishing ability, defeating Procházka via TKO in the second round to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. This made him only the ninth fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes and the fastest to do so in terms of the number of fights (7) and time (736 days).
Title Defences and Recent Setbacks (2024-2025)
In 2024, Pereira successfully defended his Light Heavyweight title three times with spectacular knockout victories:
UFC 300 (April 2024): First-round knockout of former champion Jamahal Hill.
UFC 303 (June 2024): Second-round TKO of Jiří Procházka in a rematch.
UFC 307 (October 2024): Fourth-round TKO of Khalil Rountree Jr., earning him the Fight of the Night bonus.
However, his reign was recently interrupted at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, where he lost the Light Heavyweight Championship to Magomed Ankalaev via a unanimous decision. This fight marked his first loss since moving to the light heavyweight division.
Current Status and Future Prospects (May 2025)
Despite the recent setback, Alex Pereira remains a prominent figure in the UFC light heavyweight division, holding the #1 ranking as of March 2025. Many anticipate a potential rematch with Magomed Ankalaev in the future. There have also been discussions about a possible move up to the heavyweight division at some point in his career.
Training Regimen and Diet: The Making of a Knockout Artist
Alex Pereira’s success is not solely attributed to his natural power; it’s also a result of his disciplined and rigorous training regimen and diet.
Training Philosophy
Pereira’s training, primarily conducted at Teixeira MMA & Fitness under the guidance of Glover Teixeira and other experienced coaches, focuses on honing his striking skills while developing the necessary strength, conditioning, and grappling defense for MMA. His training involves:
Striking Drills: Meticulous practice of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, emphasizing precision, speed, and power generation. He focuses on perfecting angles, footwork, and setups to maximize the effectiveness of his strikes.
Strength Training: Explosive strength training exercises such as trap bar deadlifts, sled pushes, Romanian deadlifts, and landmine rotations are incorporated to build the power evident in his knockouts.
Cardio and Conditioning: High-intensity interval training (HIIT), long-distance runs, assault bike sprints, and rowing are used to build and maintain the endurance required for grueling five-round fights. Fight-specific cardio drills, such as sprinting knees to the heavy bag and shadow boxing with resistance bands, are also crucial.
Grappling and Wrestling: While striking is his forte, Pereira has dedicated significant time to improving his takedown defense and overall grappling skills to become a more well-rounded MMA fighter.
Reflex Drills: Reaction-based catching exercises, plyometric jumps, and footwork agility drills are used to sharpen his fight awareness and reaction time.
He typically trains two to three times daily, emphasizing consistent effort and dedication even when a fight is not booked.
Diet and Nutrition
Pereira follows a strict and balanced diet to fuel his intense training and maintain his physique. His diet generally includes:
High Protein: Lean sources such as grilled chicken, salmon, canned tuna, and beef jerky are essential for muscle repair and growth.
Complex Carbohydrates: Oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes provide sustained energy for training.
Healthy Fats: Raw nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and salmon are included for omega-3 fatty acids and overall health.
Fruits and Vegetables: A variety of fruits like bananas, blueberries, and grapes, along with vegetables such as spinach and kale, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Hydration: Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for performance and recovery.
He often consumes smoothies with fruits and protein for quick energy and recovery. Meal prepping is a key aspect of his nutritional discipline.
Recovery
Recovery is an integral part of Pereira’s training. His routine includes ice baths, sauna sessions, deep-tissue massages, contrast showers, and stretching (dynamic pre-workout and static post-workout) to aid muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries. Foam rolling is also used to release muscle knots and improve tissue quality.
Alex Pereira’s Impact on Combat Sports
Alex Pereira’s impact extends beyond his championship titles and knockout victories. His unique journey from kickboxing stardom to MMA success has captivated fans and inspired many.
Crossover Appeal
Pereira’s successful transition from a highly decorated kickboxing career to becoming a two-division UFC champion is a rare feat that has garnered significant attention. His background brings a different flavor to MMA, showcasing the effectiveness of high-level striking against well-rounded MMA fighters. This crossover appeal has attracted fans from both kickboxing and MMA, expanding his fanbase and the overall interest in combat sports.
The Power of Striking in MMA
Known for his exceptional knockout power, particularly his signature left hook, Pereira has highlighted the importance and effectiveness of elite striking in mixed martial arts. His ability to finish fights decisively on his feet has made him a must-watch fighter and has influenced the strategies of his opponents, who must be wary of his striking prowess.
Mental Fortitude and Stoicism
Pereira’s calm and stoic demeanor, both before and during fights, contrasts with his explosive fighting style. This mental fortitude, coupled with his unwavering belief in his abilities, has been a key factor in his success. His focused and determined mindset serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters.
Growing Fanbase and Marketability
With his spectacular fighting style and penchant for highlight-reel knockouts, Pereira has become a fan favorite. His unique background, coupled with his championship success, makes him a highly marketable figure in the UFC. Despite not being a fluent English speaker, his charisma and fighting ability have transcended language barriers, earning him a dedicated global fanbase. His social media presence, while perhaps not as overtly expressive as some fighters, still commands attention, with fans eager to follow his journey.
Influence on Training and Strategy
Pereira’s success has likely influenced the training methodologies of other fighters, particularly those with striking backgrounds transitioning to MMA. The emphasis on developing high-level striking skills, coupled with adequate grappling defense, has become increasingly important in the sport, and Pereira’s journey exemplifies this.
Common Misconceptions About Alex Pereira
Despite his high profile, several misconceptions about Alex Pereira exist:
He is just a striker with no ground game: While his striking is his primary weapon, Pereira has shown significant improvement in his takedown defense and has demonstrated grappling awareness in his fights. His black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Plinio Cruz, though perhaps not as frequently showcased as his striking, indicates a foundational understanding of ground combat.
His power is solely reliant on brute strength: While Pereira possesses immense natural power, his knockout ability is also a result of precise technique, excellent timing, and strategic setups honed through years of training in kickboxing and MMA.
His move to light heavyweight was purely to avoid Israel Adesanya: While their rivalry was a significant part of his middleweight story, Pereira’s move to light heavyweight was also motivated by the desire to challenge himself in a new weight class and pursue another championship title, which he successfully did.
He lacks cardio for longer fights: Pereira has consistently shown the ability to fight at a high pace for five rounds, as evidenced in his middleweight title win against Adesanya and his light heavyweight title defenses. His training regimen includes rigorous cardio conditioning to ensure he can maintain his power and endurance throughout a fight.
His stoic demeanour indicates a lack of personality: While Pereira is often reserved in interviews, he has shown glimpses of his personality through his celebrations and interactions with fans. His focus and seriousness are part of his mental approach to fighting.
Real-Life Examples of Pereira’s Impact
His knockout of Israel Adesanya at UFC 281: This victory not only marked his first UFC championship but also avenged his kickboxing losses to Adesanya in the realm of MMA, showcasing his adaptability and power.
His first-round knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300: Spectacularly defending his light heavyweight title against a former champion on one of the UFC’s biggest cards of the year solidified his status as a top draw and a dangerous force in the division.
His ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes fights: From his UFC debut to his championship victories, Pereira has consistently performed under pressure, demonstrating his mental toughness and ability to deliver when it matters most.
The increased interest in fighters with kickboxing backgrounds transitioning to MMA: Pereira’s success has likely encouraged more kickboxers to try their hand at MMA and has highlighted the value of high-level striking in the sport.
His influence on fan engagement: His fights are highly anticipated due to his knockout potential, leading to increased viewership and social media buzz around his bouts. The “stone hands” nickname has become iconic among fans.
FAQs
Q: What is Alex Pereira’s fighting record in MMA?
A: As of May 2025, Alex Pereira’s professional MMA record stands at 12 wins and 3 losses. He has 10 wins by knockout, 2 by decision, and has been defeated once by knockout, once by submission, and once by decision.
Q: What are Alex Pereira’s major achievements in combat sports?
A: Alex Pereira is a former two-division UFC champion (Middleweight and Light Heavyweight) and a former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion (Middleweight and Light Heavyweight, simultaneously held). He is the first and only fighter to simultaneously hold Glory titles in two weight classes.
Q: What is Alex Pereira’s training like?
A: Pereira’s training involves rigorous striking drills, explosive strength training, intense cardio and conditioning, and dedicated grappling defence work. He trains multiple times a day, focusing on precision, power, and endurance. Recovery and a strict diet are also integral parts of his regimen.
Q: What is Alex Pereira’s net worth, and who are his major endorsements?
A: Estimates of Alex Pereira’s net worth in 2025 vary, but are generally around $3 million. He has endorsement deals with companies like OWNIC and Athleticbd. His success in the UFC has significantly contributed to his earnings through fight purses and pay-per-view shares.
Q: What is next for Alex Pereira after his loss at UFC 313?
A: Following his loss of the Light Heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March 2025, Alex Pereira is currently ranked #1 in the UFC light heavyweight division. A potential rematch with Ankalaev is highly anticipated. There have also been discussions about a possible future move to the heavyweight division.
Final Thoughts
Alex Pereira’s journey from the kickboxing rings of Glory to the championship stages of the UFC is a remarkable story of talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His explosive power and technical striking have made him a must-watch fighter, and his ability to adapt and succeed in MMA after a decorated kickboxing career is a testament to his athleticism and martial arts acumen. While his recent loss to Magomed Ankalaev presents a setback, Pereira’s determination and the exciting possibilities within the light heavyweight division suggest that the “Stone Hand” will continue to be a significant force in combat sports for years to come. His legacy as a two-division UFC champion and a dominant kickboxer is firmly etched in the annals of fighting history, inspiring aspiring athletes and captivating fans worldwide.
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