When did Alex Pereira join the UFC? Tracing ‘Poatan’s’ evolution from a kickboxer to a full-fledged mixed martial artist

Alex Pereira is currently preparing to defend his light heavyweight against Khalil Rountree Jr. on Oct. 5. The pair are set to headline the card, which takes place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Brazilian has fast become one of the biggest stars in the organization, which is even more impressive when you consider he only made his UFC debut three years ago.

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When did Alex Pereira join the UFC?

Alex Pereira started out his combat sports career as a kickboxer, amassing an impressive 33-7 professional record. He competed in a host of organizations, such as WGP Kickboxing and Glory, winning multiple titles at both middleweight and light heavyweight.

Whilst competing as a kickboxer, Pereira briefly tried his hand at an MMA career between 2015-2020. He lost his debut bout via a third round submission, but went on to win his next three via KO/TKO.

The Brazilian then decided to pursue an octagon career full-time in 2021 and announced his retirement from kickboxing. Pereira then confirmed days later he had signed a contract with the UFC and was set to make his debut in November of the same year.

Alex Pereira then made his debut at UFC 268 against Andreas Michailidis. He soon showed his fighting pedigree by finishing Michailidis in the second round with a flying knee and punching combination, earning a performance bonus for his efforts.

Dana White believed he had found a star in the making and truly put Pereira to the test by having him fight three times in 2022. Pereira then dispatched both Bruno Silva and Sean Strickland in impressive fashion, earning himself a 185-pound title shot against his kickboxing rival Israel Adesanya, whom the Brazilian had previously beaten twice.

The 37-year-old then etched himself in UFC history by finishing Adesanya in the fifth round of a highly entertaining back-and-forth contest. As a result, he secured the middleweight title in just his fourth bout in the promotion.

The pair then ran it back in April the following year, where 'The Last Stylebender' finally conquered his boogeyman, knocking Pereira out cold with a devastating combination.

Alex Pereira then decided he no longer wanted to continue cutting down to 185-pounds. Just three months later, he made his light heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz, winning a close encounter via split-decision.

The São Paulo native's victory immediately catapulted him into the title picture, where he has since cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in the organization.

In his next three fights, Alex Pereira won the 205-pound strap and defended the belt on two occasions, finishing Jiri Prochazka twice as well putting away Jamahal Hill in the headline slot of the historic UFC 300 card.