Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxer known by the nickname “Poatan.” He has competed in the UFC since 2021 and has held the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight championships, becoming one of the promotion’s most prominent knockout artists.

Alex Pereira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who has competed in the UFC since 2021. Known by the nickname “Poatan,” he has held both the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight championships, becoming one of the promotion’s most prominent knockout artists. Pereira’s professional MMA record is 13–4.

Early life and kickboxing career

Pereira was born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil. He built his reputation first in kickboxing before moving to mixed martial arts, and his combat sports background is central to his reputation as a power striker. He is a former Glory kickboxing champion in multiple weight classes.

Mixed martial arts career

Pereira began his professional MMA career in 2015. He signed with the UFC in 2021 and debuted at UFC 268. He quickly rose through the rankings with a series of notable knockout wins.

UFC championships

Pereira captured the UFC middleweight title in 2022 and later moved up to light heavyweight, where he also won a UFC title in 2023. His UFC run has made him one of the few fighters to win championships in multiple divisions.

Fighting style

Pereira is known for an orthodox stance, heavy striking, and knockout power. His bouts have frequently ended inside the distance, especially by KO/TKO, and he is widely known for finishing fights by knockout or technical knockout.