Where does Alex Pereira live? Old hometown, new city, reason for move, and more

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is gearing up for his third title defense in 2024, where he will face Khalil Rountree Jr. in the headlining bout of UFC 307. The highly anticipated pay-per-view event is scheduled for this Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

While many are familiar with 'Poatan's' swift yet remarkable rise to the UFC championship, much of his personal life remains relatively unknown—such as where he currently lives and other details that often go unnoticed.

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Where does Alex Pereira live?

Alex Pereira currently lives in Danbury, Connecticut. He was born and raised in the favelas of São Bernardo do Campo in São Paulo, Brazil, where life was anything but easy. Growing up in a poverty-stricken household, the reigning UFC 205-pound champion faced numerous challenges, eventually dropping out of middle school to work as a bricklayer's assistant before finding a job at a tire repair shop.

Pereira fell into heavy drinking and spiraled into alcoholism under the influence of his co-workers at a very young age. However, in 2009, determined to break free from his addiction, he turned to kickboxing—a decision that would ultimately change the course of his life.

'Poatan' went on to become a highly decorated kickboxer, capturing championships in two weight classes under the GLORY banner, all while continuing to train and live in his homeland of Brazil.

His journey took a pivotal turn in the summer of 2020 when UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira invited Pereira to Danbury to help him prepare for his bout against Thiago Santos at Teixeira MMA & Fitness.

It was during this period that Pereira shifted his focus toward an MMA career, dedicating himself fully to training under Teixeira's mentorship. Ahead of his first UFC middleweight title fight against longtime rival Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in November 2022, Pereira made the decision to permanently relocate to Connecticut.

This move not only provided him with convenient access to top-tier training facilities but also surrounded him with the strong support of the Brazilian community in the state.

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When Alex Pereira explained his move to U.S. was partly motivated by wanting safety for his children

During an interview with Sports Illustrated this past April, Alex Pereira reflected on his decision to relocate to Connecticut, emphasizing his appreciation for being part of the vibrant Brazilian community in the 'Constitution State'. He said:

"I live in Connecticut, so I’m surrounded by Brazilians. The food is wonderful, too. But most important for me in America is the level of security."

'Poatan' also revealed that a significant factor in his decision to settle in the United States was to ensure greater security and a safer environment for his two young sons:

"I’m not talking bad about Brazil. I grew up in Brazil. But it’s safer in America. Here, my kids can go to school and not worry. We can talk on the phone. You can wear a gold necklace. There are evil people all over the world, and that doesn’t matter where you go. But the level of security here is so strong."