When it comes to intimidating figures in the UFC, few fighters elicit as much fear and respect as Alex Pereira. Despite being a relatively recent addition to the UFC roster, the Brazilian knockout artist has already made waves in the middleweight division—and it’s not just his record that has everyone talking. Pereira, with his savage striking and intimidating presence, is one of the few fighters who has managed to truly scare his opponents. But what exactly makes Pereira so feared in the UFC? Let’s take a closer look at the factors that make him such a dangerous and, frankly, terrifying fighter.

The Power of His Left Hook

The first thing that stands out about Alex Pereira is his knockout power—specifically his left hook. Fighters who have faced him, as well as analysts, agree that Pereira’s striking is in a league of its own. The Brazilian has finished multiple high-level opponents with his left hand, and it’s not just the knockout finishes that make him dangerous—it’s the fact that he can land that shot from virtually any position.

Pereira’s ability to set up his powerful left hook, often with quick head movements and deceptive feints, has earned him a reputation for being one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who faced Pereira multiple times in kickboxing before meeting him in the octagon, knows this all too well.

“His left hook is a freight train,” Adesanya admitted after their first UFC fight. “You can never underestimate how fast he throws it, and how hard it lands. You can be on the defensive, and still—out of nowhere—he’ll land that shot and put you to sleep.”

This is what makes Pereira so scary. Even when opponents think they have a safe distance, that left hook can come at any moment and change the entire fight in a split second.

The Kickboxing Background: A Striker’s Mindset

Before joining the UFC, Pereira was already an established kickboxing champion, with an unparalleled record in the sport. His long tenure in kickboxing not only gave him a wealth of experience but also a mindset that sets him apart from many MMA fighters. Pereira doesn’t just train to win; he trains to finish.

Pereira’s striking style is calculated but explosive. In MMA, many fighters are skilled in a variety of disciplines, but Pereira’s pure striking pedigree allows him to view exchanges differently. He sees openings where others don’t and has the ability to exploit them with devastating speed and precision.

UFC fighter Sean Strickland, who faced Pereira in 2023, shared his thoughts after their fight: “The guy’s a killer. You can see it in his eyes. He’s not just throwing punches to score points; he’s throwing punches to end the fight. He’s a true fighter in the old-school sense.”

Pereira’s kickboxing background makes him an unpredictable and dangerous striker, capable of landing punches and kicks that most UFC fighters would never even attempt.

The Psychological Edge: His Confidence and Calmness

Alex Pereira isn’t just a monster physically—his mental game is equally formidable. One of the most terrifying aspects of Pereira’s fighting style is his ability to stay calm under pressure. He doesn’t get rattled, doesn’t panic, and never seems to lose his composure, even when he’s facing adversity.

This unshakable confidence in his abilities creates a psychological edge over his opponents. Many fighters have confessed that Pereira’s calm demeanor in the cage makes them second-guess their own game plans. He exudes an aura of invincibility, and this plays a major role in his ability to break his opponents mentally before he even lands a punch.

MMA coach John Kavanagh, who has trained many top fighters, explains, “Fighters feed off each other’s energy. If you’re in there with someone who’s calm, composed, and seems to be one step ahead mentally, that can really get to you. Pereira has that effect. He doesn’t just beat you physically—he starts to break you mentally.”

His Ability to Take Damage and Keep Moving Forward

Another aspect of Pereira that makes him so terrifying is his ability to take damage and keep moving forward. In his UFC career, Pereira has been hit with big shots by tough opponents, but instead of backing off, he moves forward with the same relentless pressure. This mentality of absorbing punishment and continuing to attack makes him a dangerous fighter to face in any round.

Israel Adesanya, who fought Pereira twice, mentioned after their second encounter, “He’s a tank. You hit him, and he doesn’t hesitate. He just keeps coming. And that’s scary because you think you’ve hurt him, but he’s right back in your face again.”

Pereira’s resilience forces his opponents to fight at a pace they’re not comfortable with, and that can wear them down over time. Knowing that he can take hits and still be just as dangerous creates a psychological burden that most fighters can’t shake off.

The Fight Against Adesanya: A Real-Life Nightmare

Perhaps the most terrifying moment in Pereira’s career came when he knocked out Israel Adesanya in their first UFC meeting, capturing the middleweight title. While Adesanya had dominated Pereira in their kickboxing bouts, the UFC was a new challenge—and Pereira showcased his ability to adapt to the different dynamics of mixed martial arts.

The knockout itself sent shockwaves through the MMA world, not just because of the spectacular finish, but because of the fact that Pereira seemed to have an answer to everything Adesanya threw at him. It wasn’t just the power of his punches—it was the timing, the strategy, and the cold, calculating mindset that made the knockout so impressive.

Adesanya’s acknowledgment of Pereira’s power in their post-fight interviews shows just how scary the Brazilian truly is. “I’ve fought a lot of fighters, but he’s something different. He’s always dangerous, and that’s what makes him so hard to fight.”

Why UFC Fighters Are Scared of Alex Pereira

At the end of the day, it’s not just one thing that makes Alex Pereira so frightening to UFC fighters—it’s the entire package. His knockout power, striking precision, calmness under pressure, ability to absorb damage, and ruthless mindset all combine to make him one of the most intimidating forces in mixed martial arts today.

It’s not just the fear of getting knocked out by his left hook—it’s the realization that you’re dealing with a fighter who can hurt you in multiple ways and who is mentally and physically tough enough to keep coming no matter what. UFC fighters understand that when they face Pereira, it’s not just a fight—it’s a battle for survival.

As Pereira continues to make waves in the UFC, it’s clear that his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport is well-earned. For many fighters, facing Alex Pereira is not just a challenge—it’s a terrifying prospect they’d rather avoid.