Alex Pereira, born on July 7, 1988, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a mixed martial artist who is the reigning UFC champion in the light heavyweight division (205 lbs). Pereira, nicknamed "Poatan" (meaning "Stone Hands"), started working at a young age to support his family and battled alcohol addiction during his early years. He turned to kickboxing to overcome his addiction, where he quickly excelled, leading to a successful career in combat sports.
Pereira's kickboxing career is highlighted by multiple championships in the Glory promotion, one of the premier organizations in the sport. He became the Glory Middleweight Champion in 2017 and later the Light Heavyweight Champion, making him the first double champion in Glory's history. His rivalry with Israel Adesanya has made headlines, with Pereira securing three victories over Adesanya in their combat sports encounters. Transitioning to MMA, Pereira made his debut in 2015 and joined the UFC in 2021. He quickly made a name for himself with impressive wins, including a notable knockout victory over Sean Strickland. Pereira won the UFC Middleweight Championship in November 2022 by defeating Adesanya but lost the title in a rematch in April 2023. However, Pereira moved up a weight class and is considered to be one of the most prominent active superstars in the promotion.
Alex Pereira's coach
Alex Pereira receives guidance from a trio of coaches - Glover Teixeira, Vinicius "Reviravolta" Lopes, and Plinio Cruz. Teixeira, the former UFC light heavyweight champ, played a crucial role in Pereira's shift from kickboxing to MMA by offering valuable insights as a seasoned UFC pro. Plinio Cruz, Pereira's coach, is well-known for serving as the champ's personal interpreter and close friend.
Who is Alex Pereira’s Manager?
Alex Pereira is managed by Jorge "Joinha" Guimaraes. Guimaraes, a longtime MMA manager and promoter has played an integral part in securing massive matchups as well as sponsorships for Pereira which have helped him achieve global stardom. Guimaraes has also managed legendary figures in the UFC like Anderson Silva and Glover Teixeira.
*Last updated on September 25, 2025.
FAQs on coach of Alex Pereira
A. Alex Pereira's coaches are Glover Teixeira, Vinicius Lopes, and Plinio Cruz.
A. Alex Pereira currently has a kickboxing record of 33-7-0.
A. Alex Pereira is from Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A. Alex Pereira is the current holder of the UFC light heavyweight belt (205 lbs).
A. Glover Teixeira is currently 44 years old as of 2024.
