Has Alex Pereira ever competed in boxing? A look at 'Poatan's' experience in the sport as he hopes to be Dana White's first boxer

Alex Pereira is easily among the most popular UFC stars today and is widely known for his incredible striking skills. Given that the Brazilian is also one of the most highly accomplished kickboxers today, it's no surprise that his left hook is the stuff of nightmares for his opponents.

Ahead of his title clash against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 this weekend, the reigning light heavyweight champion spoke about his eagerness to venture into boxing. Pereira's comments come off the back of Dana White recently hinting at foraying into the boxing promotion business next year.

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Has Alex Pereira ever competed in boxing?

Given that Alex Pereira's kickboxing record stands at an impressive 33-7, it's no surprise that the former Glory middleweight and light heavyweight champion tried his luck in the squared circle. 'Poatan' made his boxing debut against Marcelo de Souza Cruz in June 2017 at the Hotel Golden Park in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Pereira won his debut boxing bout via third-round TKO. While the Brazilian hasn't stepped into the squared circle since, he appears keen on competing in boxing after Dana White makes his anticipated venture into the sport.

After the UFC CEO hinted at venturing into boxing promotion next year, Pereira expressed his eagerness to join hands with his current employer to return to boxing. During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, 'Poatan' said:

"I feel very good about this. I like boxing, I wanted to fight in boxing, I've been saying for a while about this... Dana White made the announcement, to be honest, nothing was spoke, nothing was talk between us in the organization, but I feel that this partnership with Dana White will start with me."

Check out Alex Pereira's comments below (12:34):

While Pereira has focused on MMA over the past few years, the Brazilian can hold his own against professional heavyweight boxers.

Last year, former interim WBO heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang recalled training with Pereira and lauded the Brazilian's striking skills.

During an interview on The MMA Hour, the Chinese boxer spoke about sparring with Pereira and said:

"We sparred once, for four rounds. That day I remember it was 12 rounds for me... We both had a fight coming up and we didn’t have any footage or filming about the sparring. He’s a good boxer. I can tell you he has good reflexes, good speed, and good power... He kind of dominates everybody standing." [H/t: MMA Fighting]