Introduction
Alex Pereira Aka. Poatan is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former #1 Kickboxing Champion. Renowned for his striking power, kicking, and walking style. Pereira has had an influential influence on kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). And received global recognition via both Glory Kickboxing as well as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In this case, it is his fight records, personal life, and the latest news.
MMA Record:
- Total Fights: 10
- Wins: 8
- By Knockout: 6
- Losses: 2
Kickboxing Record:
- Total Fights: 40
- Wins: 33
- By Knockout: 21
- Losses: 7
Early Life and Background
Alexsandro Pereira was born on July 7, 1987, in São Bernardo do Campo. Born to a modest family, he began his career working in a tire store and got acquainted with combat sports. After starting his training in kickboxing, Pereira was identified as a potential star and began competing professionally.
That nickname, “Poatan,” comes from the Tupi language, for Pereira is of indigenous Brazilian heritage. His rags-to-riches story has turned him into an enormous inspiration for people all over Brazil.
Kickboxing Career
Pereira first rose to prominence in his kickboxing career. Boasting fearless aggression and one-shot knockout ability, he went on to become one of the best strikers in Glory Kickboxing. Or any other organization for that matter.
Notable Kickboxing Wins:
Glory Middleweight Champion — Pereira held this title for many years and was considered one of the best in the world.
Two-Weight Glory Champion:. The only fighter in Glory Kickboxing history to hold titles in two different weight classes (Middle Weight and Light Heavyweight).
In kickboxing, he holds a win over Israel Adesanya (who later became his MMA rival). Whom Pereira also knocked out in a kickboxing bout—his biggest victory to date.
Transition to MMA and UFC Fortune
After an extremely long wait, Pereira had his debut in the UFC this year. Crossing over from kickboxing to mixed martial arts. Pereira had developed into a skilled striker in his own right. As you would suspect with his kickboxing background. But the rest of his MMA game needed work. Jake was on the fast track in MMA, particularly since he had already beaten Israel Adesanya.
Notable UFC Fights:
Vs. Andreas Michailidis (UFC 268, November 2021):
Pereira scored the victory in his first inside the UFC ranks with a beautiful second-round flying knee that immediately put him on the map in the promotion.
Vs. Bruno Silva (March 2022):
Despite a competitive fight, Pereira was able to display his boxing skill and power on the way to winning via unanimous decision.
Vs. Sean Strickland (July 2022):
Pereira starched Strickland in the opening round of a fight that fans had clamored for, setting up a middleweight title shot.
Vs. Israel Adesanya (UFC 281 — November 2022):
Unifies Title: Pereira won the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Adesanya via fifth-round TKO. It was the third time he had bested Adesanya across two sports to create one of the biggest rivalries in combat sports.
Rivalry with Israel Adesanya
Pereira vs Adesanya is one of the most exciting beefs in MMA right now. Its roots go beyond their UFC rivalry — Pereira handed Adesanya two of his only losses of any kind when the two competed in kickboxing, with one being a knockout. The two moved to the UFC, with Pereira ending Adesanya’s Middleweight Champion reign in UFC 281.
Adesanya then became the Two Weight World Champion UTF champion when he defeated Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023 with a second-round knockout. Anyhow, while Pereira might not be synonymous with wins and losses in MMA, his two-sport reign of terror — plus that incredible rivalry with Adesanya — will forever be embedded in the annals of combat sports history.
Recent News
Following his loss to Adesanya at UFC 287, Alex Pereira stepped up a weight class and announced that he’s now coming after another UFC title in the Light Heavyweight division. Pereira made his divisional debut in July 2023 was successful, as he earned a narrow split decision win over Jan Błachowicz at UFC 291.
The Nov. event seems to be the fight that light heavyweight Pereira might dare for a title,so there has been some chatter about Jamahal Hill being among those. One of the few to raise his hand wanted to become a two-division UFC champ: Pereira.
Personal Life & Relationships
Out of the ring Alex Pereira has not posted much. Style: He is a family man and often talks about how his family serves as the source of strength to him all throughout his career. Whilst he is a father, Pereira is notoriously private and tries to keep his family life out of the media.
Net Worth
By 2024, Pereira’s net worth is expected to be around $3 million which he has amassed mainly from his UFC and Glory Kickboxing salaries, also from endorsements and sponsorships. He was a boring guy at times, and then the UFC got an undefeated world champion out of him.
Conclusion
Alex Pereira has established himself as one of the most dangerous, and respected, strikers in combat sports, having found success in both kickboxing; and mixed martial arts. Not to mention the rivalry to come with Israel Adesanya and his move up a weight class, Reyes is not going anywhere and will charge on to one of the biggest names in MMA for years. While his manner is reserved when experiencing publicity, his fighting style and rise from working-class roots lend themselves to a fan favorite mould.
For more news click sportsroaring.com
