Early Life and Struggle with Addiction
Alex Pereira had a tough start in life, growing up in a favela in Brazil and dropping out of middle school at the age of 12 to work at a tire store. He often got into street fights before realizing that becoming an athlete could change his life. Pereira sought out a martial arts gym where he showed potential as a kickboxer.
Pereira faced numerous obstacles in his journey as an athlete, including the battle with addiction to drugs and alcohol early on in his career. Despite these challenges, Pereira never gave up on his dream of becoming a champion.
Overcoming Obstacles with the Help of His Coach and Support System
With the help of his coach, Wilson Nunes (“Ninja”), and a strong support system, Pereira was able to overcome his addiction and channel his energy into his passion for mixed martial arts.
Despite facing racism and social prejudice within the gym due to his humble background, Pereira was still determined to become a champion. Through hard work and perseverance, he secured a scholarship to continue his training.
Rediscovering His Indigenous Roots
Pereira’s coach, Belocqua Wera, played a significant role in not only helping him improve as a kickboxer but also helping him heal from the harms of alcohol through a special recipe he learned from his indigenous ancestors.
This healing process rediscovered Pereira’s indigenous roots, and he became “Poatan,” meaning “hands hard as rocks” in tupiguarani. Pereira is proud member of the indigenous Pataxó clan and has always supported the tribe throughout his time as a fighter.
Unique Striking Style Leads to Championship Victories
Pereira’s unique striking style, called “jaguar style,” which is a variation of traditional strikes with different body angles while having both feet still planted on the ground, helped him attain multiple championship titles in various organizations.
In his UFC debut, Pereira faced the reigning middleweight champion at Madison Square Garden. Despite being behind on points in the fifth round, he used his jaguar style to knock out the champion and claim an epic fifth-round comeback victory.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pereira’s personal life has also been a topic of interest to fans. He clarified on Instagram that he has been divorced for a year and lives with his two children. Both of his children are avid followers of their father’s fighting career, and his son Alessandro was even present during Pereira’s second kickboxing bout against Israel Adesanya, mimicking his father’s walkout.
Currently in a relationship with media personality Merle, Pereira’s marital status remains unknown. However, his legacy as a trailblazer for indigenous communities in Brazil and as an inspiration to those facing personal obstacles continues to grow.
Rematch with Israel Adesanya at UFC 287
This Saturday, Alex Pereira will meet Israel Adesanya once again at UFC 287. Wera is confident in Pereira’s abilities and believes that he will once again prove himself as a champion.
Pereira’s inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a UFC champion serves as proof that with determination, hard work, and a strong support system, anyone can overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
