Alex Sandro Silva Pereira[1] (born 7 July 1987) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and a former UFC Middleweight Champion. As of 19 November 2024, he is #3 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.[8]

Quick Facts Born, Other names ...
Alex Pereira
Thumb
Pereira at UFC 300 in 2024
BornAlex Sandro Silva Pereira[1]
(1987-07-07) 7 July 1987 (age 37)
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
Other namesPoatan
Height6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight (MMA, Kickboxing)
Light heavyweight (MMA, Kickboxing)
Cruiserweight (Boxing)
Reach79 in (200 cm)[2]
StyleKickboxing
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofDanbury, Connecticut, U.S.[3]
TeamTeixeira MMA & Fitness (2020–present)[4][5]
TrainerVinicius Reviravolta, Glover Teixeira, Plinio Cruz
RankBlack belt in Kickboxing[6]
Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Plinio Cruz[7]
Years active2010–2021 (kickboxing)
2015–present (MMA)[5]
Professional boxing record
Total1
Wins1
By knockout1
Kickboxing record
Total40
Wins33
By knockout21
Losses7
By knockout2
Mixed martial arts record
Total14
Wins12
By knockout10
By decision2
Losses2
By knockout1
By submission1
Other information
Notable relativesAline Pereira (sister)
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: 6 October 2024
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He is the ninth fighter in UFC history to become champion in two different weight divisions and the first to become champion in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions of the organization. In kickboxing, he is a former Glory middleweight and light heavyweight champion, and is the first and only fighter to have held Glory titles in two weight classes simultaneously. Pereira also competed in promotions such as It's Showtime and SUPERKOMBAT Fighting Championship in kickboxing, and for Jungle Fight and Legacy Fighting Alliance in MMA. Pereira is the only known fighter to be a two-division world champion in MMA and kickboxing and is regarded as one of the greatest combat athletes of all time.[9]

Pereira was ranked #1 in the kickboxing middleweight and light-heavyweight rankings in February 2021.[10][11]

Early life

Growing up in a favela, Pereira dropped out of middle school to begin working as a bricklayer's assistant[12] and later in a tire shop.[13] Influenced by his colleagues, he began drinking and eventually became an alcoholic.[13] In 2009, he began training kickboxing in order to get rid of his addiction.[14]

Amateur boxing career

Before becoming a prominent figure in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, Alex Pereira had a notable amateur boxing career in Brazil. He reportedly competed in 28 amateur boxing matches, achieving a record of 25 wins, all by knockout, with just 3 losses.[15] Pereira’s signature power, particularly his devastating left hook, became evident early in his amateur career, as seen in viral footage showcasing multiple knockouts, including an instance where he knocked an opponent out of the ring.[16] Pereira’s boxing prowess garnered attention from prominent figures in combat sports. Ryan Garcia, impressed by Pereira’s ability, publicly expressed interest in training with him, highlighting the difficulty of finishing opponents in amateur boxing. Pereira’s striking abilities in the amateur ranks have also drawn admiration from other elite boxers, further emphasizing his versatility across multiple combat sports disciplines.[16]

Kickboxing career

In 2012 Alex won the Jungle Fight Middleweight Title, the WGP -85 kg/187 lb Championship and challenged for the Its Showtime 85MAX Championship vs Jason Wilnis losing by TKO in the second round.

In 2013 he won the WAKO Pro Panamerican K-1 -85 kg/187 lb Championship.

In late 2013 he went back to the amateurs to participate in the W.A.K.O. World Championship '13 at -91 kg. He won in the quarter final and the semi final but came up short in the finals vs Sergej Maslobojev earning him a silver medal. Two months later he participated in the WGP tournament and beat Camilo Ferraz in the semi final and fought César Almeida in the finals having previously defeating him in SUPERKOMBAT New Heroes 2, in the finals Alex lost by decision making their rivalry 1-1.

In 2014 he made his Glory debut having won the Glory 14: Zagreb - Middleweight Contender Tournament in Zagreb, Croatia on 8 March 2014, beating Dustin Jacoby by first-round knockout in the semi-finals and Sahak Parparyan by majority decision in the final.[17][18]

It was announced during the Glory 15: Istanbul broadcast that Pereira would be one of eight fighters competing in the Glory 17: Los Angeles - Last Man Standing middleweight tournament in Inglewood, California, United States on 21 June 2014.[19][20] He lost to eventual champion Artem Levin by unanimous decision in the quarter-finals to exit the tournament.[21][22][23]

He was scheduled to fight a trilogy with César Almeida during WGP Kickboxing 25 for the vacant belt WGP Middleweight Championship. He defeated Almeida by decision.[24] He defended his WGP KB title with a second-round KO of Maycon Silva at WGP KB 40.[25]

In his next five fights, Pereira went on a 4–1 run, losing only to the pound for pound great Artur Kyshenko.[26] During this run Pereira achieved his most famous victories, defeating the future UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya twice: once by unanimous decision, and once by a counter left hook KO.[27][28][29]

Pereira participated in the Glory Contender Tournament defeating Burim Rama in the semi finals, losing to Yousri Belgaroui at the Glory 40 in the finale.

Glory Middleweight Championship

Pereira won the Glory Middleweight title with a unanimous decision win against Simon Marcus at Glory 46: China.[30]

Alex defended the title in a rematch vs Yousri Belgaroui At Glory 49 Superfight Series,[31][32] and then in 2018 in New York Madison Square Garden at the Glory 55 for the Middleweight Title Match, where Belgaroui had received the overhand right knockout at 2:29 of Round 1.[33][34] For Pereira, it was the 28th career victory and the sixth inside the Glory ring.[31]

In November 2018, Pereira said he would pursue MMA career after his contract with Glory will expire in April 2019.[35] Eventually, Pereira re-signed with Glory with possibility to fight in the mixed martial arts also.[36]

After four successful Glory middleweight title defenses (against Yousri Belgaroui twice, Simon Marcus and Jason Wilnis),[37][38][39] Pereira moved up to fight Donegi Abena for the interim Glory Light Heavyweight Championship at Glory 68. Pereira won the fight via knockout in the third round, becoming the first double champion in Glory history.[40]

After winning the Interim Light Heavyweight Championship, Pereira opted to defend his middleweight title against Ertugrul Bayrak at Glory Collision 2 on 21 December 2019. After largely dominating the first round, he won the bout via knockout at the end of the round.[41]

Glory Light Heavyweight Championship

Pereira was scheduled to challenge Artem Vakhitov for the Glory Light Heavyweight title at Glory 77.[42] Pereira won the fight by split decision, becoming the first fighter in GLORY history to simultaneously hold two belts at the same time.[43]

Pereira was later stripped of his Middleweight title.[44]

Pereira rematched Artem Vakhitov at Glory 78: Rotterdam in his first title defense.[45][46] He lost the rematch by majority decision. Pereira was deducted one point in round 4 due to repeated clinching, which was seen by many as a controversial decision by the referee.[47]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Transitioning from kickboxing, Pereira made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2015 at Jungle Fight 82 against Quemuel Ottoni, losing the fight via submission.[48][49] He continued at Jungle Fight subsequently racking up two straight victories against Marcelo Cruz and Marcus Vinicius Silveira, with a KO and TKO respectively. Pereira announced he had signed a contract to face Diego Henrique da Silva in the Brazilian edition of Dana White's Contender Series on August 10, 2018.[50] However, the bout never materialized as Glory did not permit Pereira to compete.[51]

On 22 October 2020, news surfaced that Pereira had signed a contract with Legacy Fighting Alliance and he then made his promotional debut against Thomas Powell on 20 November 2020.[52] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[53]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On 3 September 2021, Pereira signed with the UFC. He made his promotional debut against Andreas Michailidis on 6 November 2021, at UFC 268.[54] He won the fight via technical knock out in round two.[55] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.[56]

Pereira faced Bruno Silva on 12 March 2022, at UFC Fight Night 203.[57] Pereira outstruck Silva for all three rounds and won the fight via unanimous decision.[58]

Pereira was scheduled to face Sean Strickland on 30 July 2022, at UFC 277.[59] However, the promotion decided to move the pairing to UFC 276 on 2 July 2022.[60] Pereira won the fight after knocking Strickland out in the first round.[61] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award,[62] and Crypto.com Fan Bonus of the Night third place award which paid in bitcoin of US$10,000.[63]

UFC Middleweight Championship

Pereira faced Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship on 12 November 2022, at UFC 281.[64] He won the bout via technical knockout in the fifth round.[65] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[66]

A rematch between Pereira and Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship took place on 8 April 2023, at UFC 287.[67] He lost the bout via knockout in the final minute of round two.[68]

Move to Light Heavyweight

Pereira was often noted for his large frame for his weight class and ability to comfortably cut large amounts of weight. According to Pereira, he would weigh about 215 pounds on fight night when fighting as a middleweight (after dehydrating to the 185-pound limit at the weigh-in), and still 225 to 235 pounds as a light heavyweight.[69] For comparison, his longtime rival Israel Adesanya typically weighed 196 pounds on fight night.[70]

On 13 April 2023, Pereira announced via Twitter that he was moving up to the Light Heavyweight division.[71]

Pereira faced former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz on 29 July 2023 at UFC 291.[72] He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.[73] 22 out of 26 media outlets scored the bout for Pereira.[74]

UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

Pereira faced former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship belt on 11 November 2023, at UFC 295.[75] He won the bout via TKO stoppage in the second round to win the title.[76] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[77] This victory made Pereira the 9th fighter in UFC history to become champion in two different weight divisions.[78]

Pereira made his first title defence against former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, on 13 April 2024, at UFC 300.[79] He won the fight by knockout in the first round after a left hook.[80]

On two weeks notice, replacing the main event bout between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor, who was injured, Pereira faced Jiří Procházka in a rematch on 29 June 2024, at UFC 303.[81] After knocking Prochazka down in the last second of the first round with a left hook, he was able to win the bout with a head kick knockdown followed by punches early in the second round.[82] This fight earned him another $50,000 Performance of the Night award.[83] On an interview, Pereira's coach later revealed that Pereira received a $303,000 bonus for his performance at UFC 303.[84]

Pereira made his third title defense against Khalil Rountree Jr. on 5 October 2024 at UFC 307.[85] He won the fight by technical knockout in the fourth round.[86] This fight earned him his first Fight of the Night award.[87] Pereira set the record for the shortest time for three title defenses in the UFC at 175 days, beating the previous record of 189 days by Ronda Rousey, and became the seventh UFC fighter to record three title defenses in a calendar year.[88]

Personal life

Pereira has two sons with his ex-wife.[89]

Pereira has indigenous ancestry from the Pataxó tribe.[13][90] His nickname "Poatan"[91] means "Stone Hands" in the Tupi language, which however is not the ethnic language of the Pataxó.[92] The nickname was given to him by his first kickboxing trainer Belocqua Wera, who was also responsible for helping Pereira discover his indigenous ancestry.[93]

He has a younger sister, Aline Pereira, who competed for Glory[94] and had her MMA debut on 18 November 2022.[95]

Championships and awards

Mixed martial arts

Kickboxing

Professional

Amateur

Awards

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
14 matches 12 wins 2 losses
By knockout 10 1
By submission 0 1
By decision 2 0
More information Res., Record ...
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 12–2 Khalil Rountree Jr. TKO (punches) UFC 307 October 5, 2024 4 4:32 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 11–2 Jiří Procházka TKO (head kick and punches) UFC 303 June 29, 2024 2 0:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win 10–2 Jamahal Hill KO (punches) UFC 300 April 13, 2024 1 3:14 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 9–2 Jiří Procházka TKO (elbows) UFC 295 November 11, 2023 2 4:08 New York City, New York, United States Won the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win 8–2 Jan Błachowicz Decision (split) UFC 291 July 29, 2023 3 5:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
Loss 7–2 Israel Adesanya KO (punches) UFC 287 April 8, 2023 2 4:21 Miami, Florida, United States Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 7–1 Israel Adesanya TKO (punches) UFC 281 November 12, 2022 5 2:01 New York City, New York, United States Won the UFC Middleweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win 6–1 Sean Strickland KO (punches) UFC 276 July 2, 2022 1 2:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 5–1 Bruno Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev March 12, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 4–1 Andreas Michailidis TKO (flying knee and punches) UFC 268 November 6, 2021 2 0:18 New York City, New York, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 3–1 Thomas Powell KO (punch) LFA 95 November 20, 2020 1 4:04 Park City, Kansas, United States
Win 2–1 Marcus Vinicius da Silveira TKO (punches) Jungle Fight 87 May 21, 2016 2 4:55 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 1–1 Marcelo Cruz KO (punches) Jungle Fight 85 January 23, 2016 1 4:07 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 0–1 Quemuel Ottoni Submission (rear-naked choke) Jungle Fight 82 October 24, 2015 3 2:52 São Paulo, Brazil Middleweight debut.
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[121]

Pay-per-view bouts

More information No., Event ...
No. Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
1. UFC 281 Adesanya vs. Pereira November 12, 2022 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York, United States Not Disclosed[122]
2. UFC 287 Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 April 8, 2023 Kaseya Center Miami, Florida, United States Not Disclosed[123]
3. UFC 295 Procházka vs. Pereira November 11, 2023 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York, United States Not Disclosed[124]
4. UFC 300 Pereira vs. Hill April 13, 2024 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[125]
5. UFC 303 Pereira vs. Procházka 2 June 29, 2024 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[126]
6. UFC 307 Pereira vs. Rountree Jr. October 5, 2024 Delta Center Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Not Disclosed[127]
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Kickboxing record

More information Date, Result ...
Professional kickboxing record (incomplete)
33 wins (21 KOs), 7 losses (2 KOs)
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTime
2021-09-04LossRussia Artem VakhitovGlory 78: RotterdamRotterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Majority)53:00
Loses the Glory Light Heavyweight Championship.
2021-01-30WinRussia Artem VakhitovGlory 77: RotterdamRotterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Split)53:00
Wins the Glory Light Heavyweight Championship.
2019-12-21WinTurkey Ertugrul BayrakGlory Collision 2Arnhem, NetherlandsKO (Left Hook)13:00
Defends the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2019-09-28WinSuriname Donegi AbenaGlory 68: MiamiMiami, United StatesKO (Left Hook)32:08
Wins the interim Glory Light Heavyweight Championship.
2019-05-17WinNetherlands Jason WilnisGlory 65: UtrechtUtrecht, NetherlandsKO (Left Flying Knee)11:31
Defends the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2018-09-14WinCanada Simon MarcusGlory 58: ChicagoChicago, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Defends the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2018-07-20WinTunisia Yousri BelgarouiGlory 55: New YorkNew York, United StatesKO (Right Hook)12:16
Defends the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2017-12-09WinTunisia Yousri BelgarouiGlory 49: RotterdamRotterdam, NetherlandsTKO (Doctor Stoppage)31:54
Defends the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2017-10-14WinCanada Simon MarcusGlory 46: ChinaGuangzhou, ChinaDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Wins the Glory Middleweight Championship.
2017-09-16WinBrazil Maycon SilvaWGP Kickboxing 40[128]Paraná, BrazilKO (Left Hook)22:00
Defends the WGP Kickboxing -85 kg title.[129]
2017-04-29LossTunisia Yousri BelgarouiGlory 40: Copenhagen, FinalCopenhagen, DenmarkDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2017-04-29WinAlbania Burim RamaGlory 40: Copenhagen, Semi FinalCopenhagen, DenmarkTKO (Right Hook)31:42
2017-03-04WinNigeria Israel AdesanyaGlory of Heroes 7Sao Paulo, BrazilKO (Left Hook)3N/A
2016-07-31LossUkraine Artur KyshenkoKunlun Fight 48Jining, ChinaTKO (Punches)22:55
2016-05-08WinBrazil Junior AlphaWGP Kickboxing 30BrazilKO (Right Hook)4N/A
2016-04-02WinNigeria Israel AdesanyaGlory of Heroes 1ChinaDecision (Unanimous)5N/A
2015-07-25WinBrazil César AlmeidaWGP Kickboxing 25[130]São Paulo, BrazilDecision53:00
Wins the vacant WGP Kickboxing -85 kg title.[129]
2015-04-03LossNetherlands Jason WilnisGlory 20: Dubai - Middleweight Contender Tournament, Semi FinalsDubai, UAEDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2014-12-20WinChile Ivan GalazWGP Kickboxing 24São Paulo, BrazilTKO (Three Knockdowns)2N/A
2014-09-27WinCanada Robert ThomasWGP Kickboxing 22[131]BrazilDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2014-06-21LossRussia Artem LevinGlory 17: Los Angeles - Middleweight Last Man Standing Tournament, Quarter FinalsInglewood, California, USADecision (Unanimous)33:00
2014-04-26WinRussia Aleksandr DmitrenkoWGP SUPER 4[132]São Paulo, BrazilDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2014-03-08WinArmenia Sahak ParparyanGlory 14: Zagreb - Middleweight Contender Tournament, FinalZagreb, CroatiaDecision (Majority)33:00
Wins the Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament.
2014-03-08WinUnited States Dustin JacobyGlory 14: Zagreb - Middleweight Contender Tournament, Semi FinalsZagreb, CroatiaKO (Left Hook)12:02
2013-12-21LossBrazil César AlmeidaWGP Kickboxing 17, FinalSão Paulo, BrazilDecision3N/A
2013-12-21WinUruguay Camilo FerrazWGP Kickboxing 17, Semi FinalSão Paulo, BrazilKO (Right Knee)1N/A
2013-08-24WinArgentina Matías AdaroWGP Kickboxing 15São Paulo, BrazilKO (Right Cross)2N/A
Wins the WAKO Pro Panamerican -85 kg/187 lb Championship K-1 Rules.
2013-03-23WinBrazil César AlmeidaSUPERKOMBAT New Heroes 2São Caetano, BrazilDecision (Unanimous)3N/A
2012-11-10LossNetherlands Jason WilnisIt's Showtime 60São Paulo, BrazilTKO (Retirement)2N/A
Fight was for vacant It's Showtime 85MAX Championship.
2012-09-16WinBrazil Felipe MichelettiWGP Kickboxing 9São Paulo, BrazilDecision (Unanimous)3N/A
2012-07-07WinBrazil Clei SilvaWGP Kickboxing, FinalSão Paulo, BrazilDecision3N/A
Wins the WGP Kickboxing -85 kg title.[133][134]
2012-07-07WinBrazil Fabio AlbertoWGP Kickboxing, Semi finalsSão Paulo, BrazilKO1N/A
2012-03-31WinBrazil Clei SilvaJungle Fight 37São Paulo, BrazilDecision (Unanimous)3N/A
Wins the Brazilian -85 kg/187 lb Championship K-1 Rules.
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More information Date, Result ...
Amateur kickboxing record
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTime
2013-10LossLithuania Sergej MaslobojevW.A.K.O World Championships 2013, K-1 Final -91 kgGuaruja, BrasilDecision32:00
Wins W.A.K.O. World Championship '13 K-1 Silver Medal -91 kg.
2013-10WinItaly Mattia FaraoniW.A.K.O World Championships 2013, K-1 Semi Finals -91 kgGuaruja, BrasilDecision (Split)32:00
2013-10WinNew Zealand Selby DevereuxW.A.K.O World Championships 2013, K-1 Quarter Finals -91 kgGuaruja, BrasilKnockoutN/AN/A
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes
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Professional boxing record

More information 1 fight, 1 win ...
1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
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More information No., Result ...
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0 Marcelo de Souza Cruz TKO 3 (4) Jun 17, 2017 Hotel Golden Park, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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See also

References

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