Alex Pereira looks back at 'guy at the bar' era mentality and motivation before signing with UFC changed his life

Alex Pereira recently opened up about his early MMA days before signing up with the UFC. Pereira claimed that what drove him to join the organization and the highest level of MMA was the desire to improve his financial status to support his family and loved ones.

Pereira had a difficult upbringing and overcame several obstacles to reach where he now stands. The Brazilian gave in to peer pressure to start drinking, which soon became a routine, getting worse to the point that he was almost drinking a liter every day.

Pereira eventually turned to kickboxing to overcome his alcoholism. He went on to become a two-division champion in Glory Kickboxing, winning the light heavyweight and middleweight titles. The reigning light heavyweight champion made his octagon debut at UFC 268 in 2021, defeating Andreas Michailidis via a sensational flying knee knockout, introducing himself to the world on the biggest platform.

In the latest edition of Lionheart Lounge on ESPN MMA, Pereira spoke to Anthony Smith about his journey from Glory kickboxing to UFC, saying:

''Well, I was doing well mentally. In Glory, they were also giving me a good financial situation, where I didn't even imagine getting to where I got when I was in Glory. And, well, everybody knows the UFC, everybody that becomes a champion. Even those who don't become champions, have a better financial situation, which they can help their family and the people around them. That motivated me a lot, so when I went to the UFC to fight in MMA.''

'Poatan' continued:

"I knew my potential and I knew that I could achieve a lot, maybe not all the things I am achieving, but I knew that I could get very far and that was my motivation, to be able to have a better financial situation to help my family and now I am able to do that."

Check out Alex Pereira's comments below (7:39):

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Alex Pereira visits the tire shop where he used to work

Before his third light heavyweight title defense at UFC 307, Alex Pereira visited the former tire store where he worked as a kid. In the UFC 307 'Countdown' preview, the reigning champion detailed how working there contributed to his success.

''I think about how much it has helped me develop the strength I have today... Those jobs that required a lot of force definitely helped me... Growing up in the favela was a good thing. You're faced with challenges, with competition. I think that was important because you're faced with adversity in the fighting world."

Check out Alex Pereira's comments below (4:43):