Alex “Poatan” Pereira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion competing in the UFC heavyweight division. Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in combat sports history, Pereira has won world championships in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts, becoming one of only a handful of fighters to capture UFC titles in multiple weight classes.
Following successful championship reigns at middleweight and light heavyweight, Pereira moved to heavyweight in 2026 in an attempt to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different divisions. Although his bid fell short against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, “Poatan” remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars and most dangerous knockout artists.
Official Fighter Snapshot
| Stats | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alex Sandro Silva Pereira |
| Nickname | Poatan |
| Height | 6’4 in (193.04 cm) |
| Reach | 79 in (200.66 cm) |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight |
| UFC Ranking | 13-4-0 |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting style | Kickboxing |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Birthday | July 7, 1987 |
| Born | Brazil |
| Birthplace | São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Team/Gym | Teixeira MMA & Fitness |
| Head Coach | Glover Teixeira |
What Is Alex Pereira Known For?
Pereira has built his reputation on several accomplishments that few fighters have matched:
- Becoming a UFC champion in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
- Winning Glory world championships in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
- Defeating longtime rival Israel Adesanya in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
- Possessing some of the most feared knockout power in MMA, with 11 of his 13 professional victories coming by knockout.
- Attempting to become the first three-division UFC champion by moving up to heavyweight in 2026.
Why Is Alex Pereira Called “Poatan”?
Pereira’s famous nickname, “Poatan,” comes from the Tupi language and translates to “Stone Hands.”
The nickname was given to him by one of his early kickboxing coaches after learning about Pereira’s Indigenous Pataxó ancestry. Today, “Poatan” has become one of the most recognizable nicknames in combat sports and reflects the devastating knockout power that has defined his career.
Alex Pereira’s Background
Born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Pereira grew up in difficult circumstances and left school at an early age to work as a bricklayer’s assistant and later in a tire shop.
He has openly spoken about struggling with alcoholism as a young adult before discovering kickboxing in 2009. Training eventually changed the direction of his life, leading him to become one of the world’s most accomplished combat athletes.
Who Trains Alex Pereira?
Pereira trains out of Teixeira MMA & Fitness under former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, alongside coach Plinio Cruz.
Since transitioning from kickboxing to MMA, Teixeira has played a significant role in developing Pereira’s wrestling, grappling, and overall mixed martial arts game while preserving the elite striking that made him famous.
What Is Alex Pereira’s Fighting Style?
Pereira is primarily a kickboxer known for exceptional timing, patience, and fight-ending power.
Rather than overwhelming opponents with volume, he prefers to pressure methodically, attack the legs with powerful calf kicks, and create openings for his trademark left hook. Despite beginning MMA with limited grappling experience, Pereira has steadily improved his takedown defense and clinch work throughout his UFC career.
What Is Instituto Poatan?
Away from competition, Pereira founded Instituto Poatan, a community program in São Paulo that provides free kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, English classes, and computer education for hundreds of children.
The initiative earned him the 2026 UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award, recognizing his charitable work outside the Octagon.
What Has Alex Pereira Said About His Goals?
Throughout his career, Pereira has repeatedly stated that he is motivated by challenging himself rather than chasing records.
His move to heavyweight in 2026 reflected that mindset, as he attempted to become the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion. Even after falling short against Ciryl Gane, Pereira said he has no regrets about taking the risk and remains determined to continue competing at the highest level.
Why Alex Pereira Stands Out
Few fighters have accomplished what Alex Pereira has across multiple combat sports.
From overcoming alcoholism and poverty to becoming a two-division Glory champion, two-division UFC champion, and one of the sport’s most feared knockout artists, Pereira has built a career unlike almost anyone in modern MMA. His willingness to pursue history by moving to heavyweight only added another chapter to one of the most remarkable combat sports journeys of the last decade.
