Alex Sandro Silva Pereira Bio
Alex Sandro Silva Pereira, born on July 7, 1987, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current and two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Middleweight Champion. Pereira is notable for being the ninth fighter in UFC history to become champion in two different weight divisions.
Early Life and Background
Pereira was born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil. Growing up in a favela, he faced significant hardships and dropped out of middle school to work as a bricklayer’s assistant and later in a tire shop. Influenced by his peers, he struggled with alcoholism before beginning kickboxing training in 2009 to overcome his addiction.
His indigenous ancestry from the Pataxó tribe has been a significant part of his identity and promotion. His nickname “Poatan,” meaning “Stone Hands” in the Tupi language, was given by his first kickboxing trainer who also helped him discover his heritage. Pereira has a younger sister, Aline Pereira, who competes professionally in combat sports.
Path to MMA
Pereira began his combat sports career in kickboxing, achieving notable success including multiple championships. He transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2015, making his professional debut at Jungle Fight 82. Despite an initial loss, he quickly secured victories and continued to develop his skills. He signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance in 2020, where he won his debut fight by knockout.
His kickboxing background, combined with his evolving MMA skills, paved the way for his entry into the UFC in 2021. Pereira’s striking prowess and knockout power made him a formidable competitor in the middleweight division before moving up to light heavyweight.
Alex Pereira Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Before transitioning fully to MMA, Pereira had a distinguished kickboxing career, winning titles such as the Jungle Fight Middleweight Title and the WGP -85 kg Championship. He competed in major kickboxing promotions including Glory, where he became a two-division champion. His amateur boxing career was also notable, with a record of 25 wins, all by knockout, out of 28 fights.
In MMA, Pereira debuted professionally in 2015 at Jungle Fight 82, where he faced a submission loss. He rebounded with two consecutive wins, showcasing his striking power. His early MMA career was marked by rapid improvement and growing recognition in regional promotions.
Glory Kickboxing Breakthrough (2014–2019)
Pereira made his Glory debut in 2014, winning the Glory 14: Zagreb Middleweight Contender Tournament. He went on to capture the Glory Middleweight Championship in 2016 and successfully defended it multiple times. In 2019, he won the Glory Light Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first fighter in Glory history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
His kickboxing career included notable victories over future UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya, whom he defeated twice. Pereira’s success in Glory established him as one of the premier kickboxers globally before fully committing to MMA.
UFC Era (2021–Present)
Pereira signed with the UFC in September 2021 and made an immediate impact with a technical knockout win in his debut. He quickly rose through the middleweight ranks, defeating top contenders and capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship in November 2022 by technical knockout against Israel Adesanya.
In 2023, Pereira moved up to the Light Heavyweight division, winning the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in November. He successfully defended the title multiple times, setting a UFC record for the shortest time to three title defenses. His fighting style, characterized by powerful striking and an efficient, composed approach, has been a key to his success.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Pereira’s fighting style is deeply rooted in his kickboxing background. He employs a composed stance with deliberate movement, using low kicks to control opponents and set up powerful strikes. His left hook is a signature weapon, often used as a counter to finish fights. Despite limited grappling experience initially, he has improved his takedown defense and clinch work under expert coaching.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pereira is the only known fighter to be a two-division world champion in both MMA and kickboxing. He made history as the ninth UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight divisions and the first to do so in middleweight and light heavyweight. His trilogy with Israel Adesanya and record-setting title defenses have been defining moments of his career.
Alex Pereira Career Wins
Pereira has accumulated a total of 33 professional wins across kickboxing and MMA, with a significant number by knockout. His victories include multiple championship wins in Glory kickboxing and UFC title bouts, highlighting his knockout power and striking precision.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pereira has secured multiple Performance of the Night awards. He won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2022 and the Light Heavyweight Championship in 2023. His title defenses have been marked by decisive knockouts and technical knockouts, showcasing his dominance in the octagon.
Kickboxing Highlights
In kickboxing, Pereira won the Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Championships, defending the middleweight title four times. He is the first fighter in Glory history to hold two titles simultaneously. His victories over top-tier opponents and tournament wins have cemented his legacy in the sport.
Alex Pereira Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Pereira comes from a humble background in Brazil and has indigenous Pataxó ancestry, which he proudly incorporates into his public persona and fight presentations. His sister, Aline Pereira, is also a professional combat sports athlete.
Personal Life
Alex Pereira has two sons with his ex-wife. He resides in Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Beyond fighting, he founded the Instituto Poatan in São Paulo, offering free combat sports training and educational programs to underprivileged youth, reflecting his commitment to giving back to his community.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Pereira continued to compete at the highest level in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. He reclaimed the Light Heavyweight Championship in October 2025 with a first-round technical knockout. His performances earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and set records for rapid title defenses. Pereira has expressed interest in high-profile matchups, maintaining his status as one of the top fighters globally.
Throughout the season, his partnership with Teixeira MMA & Fitness and coaching from former champions have contributed to his refined strategy and sustained success. His ability to adapt and deliver under pressure remains a hallmark of his competitive edge.