Alex “Poatan” Pereira has quickly become one of the most feared and respected names in the UFC, and it’s not by chance. With an impressive history in kickboxing and a successful transition to MMA, the Brazilian has dominated his opponents with his aggressive style and devastating knockout power. He has become one of the biggest icons in the sport, and his journey is just getting started.

Rise in Kickboxing

Before conquering the MMA world, Alex Pereira was already a dominant figure in kickboxing. Born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Poatan began his martial arts career in kickboxing, where he quickly stood out for his physical strength and knockout ability. He won major titles, including the world championship in Glory, one of the biggest kickboxing events globally, which put him on the radar of fans and experts alike.

What truly solidified his reputation was his victory over Israel Adesanya, the current UFC middleweight champion, in kickboxing. This win was crucial in Poatan’s story, as it demonstrated his ability to face the best in the world, and it set the stage for a rivalry that would later make its way into the UFC.

Transition to MMA

With his success in kickboxing, Poatan transitioned to MMA, where he quickly made his mark. His UFC debut came in 2021, and the impact was immediate. He entered the organization with a clear promise: to bring his aggressive style and knockout power into the octagon—and that’s exactly what he did. His ability to knock out opponents with a single blow became his signature.

In his first UFC fight against veteran Andreas Michailidis, Poatan showcased his strength and technique, knocking out his opponent with a devastating left hook. This knockout quickly gained attention and solidified his position as a serious threat in the UFC.

Rivalry with Israel Adesanya

The turning point in Alex Pereira’s UFC career came with his rivalry against Israel Adesanya. They had already faced each other in kickboxing, and now their paths were destined to cross once again, this time for the UFC middleweight title.

In a thrilling fight in November 2022, Poatan faced Adesanya for the belt. The fight was charged with tension, as Adesanya, up until that point, was undefeated in the UFC and widely regarded as one of the best in the division. However, Pereira, with his kickboxing experience and overwhelming knockout power, secured the victory via knockout in the fifth round, becoming the UFC middleweight champion in just his third fight in the organization.

Poatan’s win over Adesanya was historic—not just for securing the title, but for closing the loop on a rivalry that began in kickboxing. By defeating Adesanya, Pereira became the first fighter in UFC history to claim a championship with so few fights in the organization, cementing his name among the sport’s greats.

Poatan’s Fighting Style

What makes Alex Pereira so feared in the UFC is undoubtedly his fighting style. He has a unique combination of technique and power, a characteristic of his kickboxing background. His ability to maintain distance and land precise, powerful strikes is impressive. He has an excellent understanding of the game, seizing any opening to land a decisive blow.

Furthermore, Poatan’s imposing presence in the octagon sets him apart. He is calm, confident, and controlled, which allows him to focus entirely on his strategy, without being rattled by pressure. His footwork, combined with a strong clinch game, makes him a dangerous opponent both at long range and in close-quarters exchanges.

The Future of Alex “Poatan” Pereira

With his meteoric rise in the UFC, Alex Pereira has all the tools to continue dominating the middleweight division. His combination of skill, knockout power, and mentality puts him in a prime position for further success. Additionally, the respect he has earned among fighters and fans alike has elevated him to one of the most anticipated athletes in the sport.

Pereira has already shown that he is capable of facing the best and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. His story of overcoming the odds and succeeding in the UFC is just the beginning of a journey that could see him become a legend in the sport. The future looks bright for Poatan, and all eyes are on him as the most feared Brazilian in the UFC continues to make history.

Conclusion

Alex “Poatan” Pereira has become, in a short amount of time, one of the UFC’s biggest stars. His transition from kickboxing to MMA is a testament to his dedication, skill, and knockout power that strikes fear into any opponent. With his victory over Israel Adesanya, he not only claimed the middleweight title but also solidified his place as one of the most feared fighters in UFC history. What’s next for Poatan? One thing is for certain: the world of MMA is about to witness even more from this Brazilian powerhouse.