Who is the only other man to defeat Alex Pereira in MMA apart from Israel Adesanya? All you need to know about 'Poatan's' submission loss from 2015

Whilst many fans will remember Israel Adesanya's knockout win over Alex Pereira at UFC 287, 'The Last Stylebender' was actually the second person to finish the Brazilian in MMA, not the first.

Right now, the thought of 'Poatan' losing a fight almost seems far fetched, as Pereira has seen himself catapulted to star status thanks to a remarkable run in the UFC.

Since making his debut in the promotion 2021, the 37-year-old has fought nine times (8-1), won and lost the middleweight title, captured the 205-pound strap and defended the belt on two occasions.

Although Pereira's loss to Adesanya in 2023 sparked his run at light heavyweight, it was actually a loss much earlier on in his career that ignited his run in MMA all together.

After a hugely successful stint as a kickboxer, where he won multiple world titles, Alex Pereira opted to make the switch to MMA. He began in his native Brazil, fighting for the Jungle Fight promotion.

It was not the dream debut that fans might have expected either, as Pereira was tasked with facing the experienced Quemel Ottoni (12-3) in a middleweight bout. The pair then went to war in a back-and-forth contest, however, Ottoni eventually tackled Pereira to the canvas in the third round. After a brief scramble, 'Poatan' was then submitted via a rear-naked choke.

Watch the clip here:

Ottoni has also been generating interest in recent weeks, as his win over Alex Pereira could set up a potential rematch between them. The 31-year-old is currently set to feature on Dana White's Contender Series later this year, hoping to earn a UFC contract.

---

Jake Paul calls out Alex Pereira for a boxing bout

Jake Paul surprised fans on Saturday night by not calling for a bout against Conor McGregor, instead taking aim at the UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

'The Problem Child' faced Mike Perry in a boxing bout on the weekend, where he showed his class as he dominated the BKFC star. Paul knocked 'Platinum' down on multiple occasions before knocking him out in the sixth round.

Following his win over Perry, the former Disney channel star then made headlines as he dimissed the idea of facing McGregor, instead setting his sights on 'Poatan'. Paul has since clarified his call out during a recent episode of his BS w/ Jake Paul podcast. He said:

"I want a tougher challenge than [Conor] McGregor. F*ck McGregor, I want Alex Pereira. I want the light heavyweight champion. Because people say everything about weight difference, forty this, whatever. Mike [Perry], I was 212 in the ring tonight, so ten-pound difference, that's common in boxing, but Pereira rehydrates to 240."

Catch Paul's comments here: