Alex Pereira, known by his nickname "Poatan," is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who is the current undisputed champion in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Born on July 7, 1987, in São Paulo, Brazil, Pereira began his martial arts journey with taekwondo before transitioning to kickboxing and eventually MMA.
Pereira debuted in MMA in 2015, earning two wins in Jungle Fight before signing for Dana White's Contender Series in 2018, though the fight fell through. He joined Legacy Fighting Alliance in 2020, winning his debut by knockout. In 2021, he signed with the UFC, winning his debut and earning a Performance of the Night award. Currently ranked #2 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, Pereira boasts an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 losses in his MMA career, with 9 of those wins coming by way of knockout. His impressive kickboxing skills, combined with his devastating knockout power, make him one of the fiercest strikers on the current UFC roster. Moreover, Pereira is set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on October 5, 2024.
Alex Pereira's nationality
Alex Pereira, born on July 7, 1987, in São Paulo, Brazil, holds Brazilian nationality. He grew up in one of Brazil's favelas, facing hardships from a young age. Dropping out of middle school at 12 to work in a tire shop, Pereira was surrounded by poverty and the influence of alcoholism, which he struggled with during his early years. His involvement in kickboxing began as a means to overcome his addiction, leading him to train rigorously and eventually excel in the sport.
Pereira's kickboxing career took off in 2009, and he quickly gained notoriety, achieving multiple titles in Glory Kickboxing, including being the first fighter to simultaneously hold both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles. He then made the transition to MMA and the rest is history.
Alex Pereira's ethnicity
Alex Pereira is of mixed ethnicity, with deep roots in the indigenous Pataxo tribe of Brazil. The Pataxo are an indigenous people known for their rich cultural heritage. Pereira's nickname, "Poatan," meaning "Hands as hard as stone," reflects his tribal connection and is a Tupi-Guarani term. He proudly represents his Pataxo heritage through various aspects of his MMA career, including his walkouts and face paint, which pay homage to his ancestors.
*Last updated on September 25, 2024.
FAQs on where is Alex Pereira from
A. Alex Pereira hails from Brazil.
A. Alex Pereira was born in São Paulo, Brazil, on July 7, 1987.
A. Born on July 7, 1987, Alex Pereira is 37 years old.
A. Alex Pereira trains at Teixeira MMA & Fitness.
A. Alex Pereira is set to fight Khalil Rountree on October 5, 2024.
A. No, Alex Pereira has 2 losses in his resume, against Quemuel Ottoni and Israel Adesanya.
