Alex Pereira “Poatan”
Light Heavyweight · Brazil · UFC
Kickboxing-based knockout artist with a fight-ending left hook
One-shot left hook and crippling calf kicks
Record & stats
| Division | Light Heavyweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Born | Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Team | Teixeira MMA & Fitness |
| Pro debut | 2015 |
| Height | 193cm |
| Reach | 200cm |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 38 |
| KO rate | 100% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
100% Finish rate- 11 KO/TKO · 85%
- 2 Submission · 15%
Titles & honors
- Former 2x UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
- Former UFC Middleweight Champion
Biography
Alex "Poatan" Pereira is one of combat sports' most devastating finishers — a former two-division Glory kickboxing champion who carried that one-shot power into the UFC and became a champion in two weight classes. His left hook is among the most feared single weapons in the sport.
After winning the middleweight and then light heavyweight titles, Pereira's rivalry with Magomed Ankalaev defined his 2025: he dropped a decision to Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March, then reclaimed the light heavyweight belt with a first-round knockout in their October rematch at UFC 320. In June 2026 he moved up to chase an interim heavyweight title at the historic White House card but was stopped by Ciryl Gane in the second round.
As of June 2026 he is 13-4 and remains one of the biggest stars and most dangerous strikers in MMA.
Fight history
- LCiryl GaneL TKO R2
- WMagomed AnkalaevW TKO R1
- LMagomed AnkalaevL UD 5
FAQ
- What titles has Alex Pereira held?
- He is a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and a former UFC Middleweight Champion, plus a former two-division Glory kickboxing champion.
- What is Alex Pereira's record?
- He is 13-4 in MMA, with 11 wins by knockout.
- Did Pereira beat Ankalaev?
- They split two fights: Ankalaev won a decision at UFC 313, and Pereira won the rematch by first-round KO at UFC 320.
- What is Pereira's nickname?
- He is known as 'Poatan,' meaning 'hands of stone' in Portuguese.