Alex Pereira’s rise to the top of the combat sports world is a story of hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication. Known for his incredible knockout power and striking ability, Pereira has built an illustrious career in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). His transition from a kickboxing champion to UFC star has made him one of the most exciting athletes in the UFC today.
This article will explore the journey of Alex Pereira, his achievements in kickboxing, his transition to MMA, and what makes him a threat inside the Octagon.
Early Life and Background
Born on July 7, 1987, in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, Alex Pereira’s early life didn’t initially hint at the greatness he would one day achieve in combat sports. Like many fighters, he came from humble beginnings and faced various challenges growing up. He was drawn to sports at an early age but initially began training in basketball before discovering his true passion—fighting.
At 12 years old, Pereira shifted his focus to kickboxing. He quickly realized that his natural athleticism, combined with a fierce competitive streak, made him a standout in the striking arts. Under the guidance of his trainers, he honed his skills in kickboxing and began to make a name for himself in Brazilian fighting circles.
Kickboxing Career: The Making of a Champion
Alex Pereira’s kickboxing career was nothing short of extraordinary. He made a name for himself in the sport thanks to his exceptional knockout power, precision, and ability to dismantle opponents with his striking technique. Pereira fought in numerous organizations, but it was his time in Glory Kickboxing where he truly made his mark.
In 2015, Pereira won the Glory Middleweight Championship, showcasing his world-class striking and tactical mastery. His victory cemented his place as one of the top kickboxers of his generation. But it wasn’t just his titles that made him famous—it was his ability to knockout opponents in spectacular fashion, often in the most dramatic ways.
His greatest claim to fame in kickboxing came when he defeated Israel Adesanya, the future UFC Middleweight Champion, in 2017. Pereira and Adesanya had fought twice in kickboxing, with Pereira winning both matchups, including a knockout victory in the second fight. This victory over Adesanya added to Pereira’s growing legend as a knockout artist and a true force in the sport.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
After dominating in kickboxing, Alex Pereira transitioned to MMA in 2015, although he continued his kickboxing career for several years. His decision to switch to mixed martial arts was strategic, as he wanted to prove himself in the world of MMA and take on a broader range of challenges.
Pereira made his MMA debut in 2015 under the Brazilian Fighting Championship (BFC). Despite being relatively new to the sport, his striking ability quickly stood out, and it wasn’t long before he attracted attention from major MMA organizations. His transition to MMA was not without challenges, as he had to adapt to the grappling and wrestling elements of the sport. However, Pereira’s elite striking remained his bread and butter, and he soon became a formidable competitor.
By 2021, after a series of wins in smaller MMA promotions, Pereira’s talent caught the attention of the UFC, the world’s most prestigious MMA organization. The UFC saw something special in him—not just his knockout power, but his potential to be a major draw due to his rivalry with Israel Adesanya.
Alex Pereira in the UFC
Pereira’s debut in the UFC was highly anticipated due to his previous kickboxing history with Israel Adesanya. The MMA world was buzzing to see whether Pereira could carry over his striking dominance into the Octagon and succeed in UFC’s elite competition.
In his UFC debut, Pereira faced André Muniz at UFC 268. Although he won, it wasn’t until his second fight that he truly made an impact. At UFC 268, Pereira faced Sean Strickland and made an immediate statement by knocking him out in the first round. This stunning victory propelled Pereira into the spotlight and confirmed that he was ready for the UFC’s biggest stage.
Pereira’s knockout victory over Strickland earned him a title shot against Israel Adesanya, the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion. Their rivalry, which began in kickboxing, had come full circle, and fans were eagerly awaiting their showdown. Pereira’s entry into the UFC was defined by his ability to finish fights, and his rivalry with Adesanya brought even more intrigue to his career.
The Rivalry with Israel Adesanya
The long-anticipated fight between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya took place at UFC 281 in November 2022, marking one of the most highly anticipated MMA matchups of the year. Adesanya, the reigning middleweight champion, had previously defeated Pereira twice in kickboxing, but Pereira’s knockout victories in their kickboxing bouts had haunted Adesanya.
In their UFC encounter, Pereira shocked the MMA world by knocking out Adesanya in the fifth round, claiming the UFC Middleweight Championship. This victory was monumental, as Pereira had now defeated Adesanya in all three of their encounters—two times in kickboxing and once in MMA.
Pereira’s win over Adesanya in the UFC instantly made him one of the most talked-about figures in the sport, and his story—of a kickboxing champion transitioning to MMA and defeating a champion who had previously beaten him—captured the imagination of fans worldwide. His ability to adapt and thrive in MMA has only solidified his place as one of the top fighters in the sport.
What Makes Alex Pereira a Threat in the UFC?
Alex Pereira is not just another striking fighter—he is a world-class athlete who has proven time and time again that he can overcome the challenges of different combat sports. His ability to transition from kickboxing to MMA seamlessly speaks to his adaptability, and his natural talent has made him a dominant force in the UFC’s middleweight division.
Here are some key aspects of Pereira’s fighting style that make him a dangerous opponent:
1. Incredible Knockout Power
Pereira is renowned for his brutal knockout power, which has been a constant in both kickboxing and MMA. His ability to end fights with a single strike is unmatched, and it has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport.
2. Elite Striking
As a former kickboxing champion, Pereira has mastered the art of striking. His precision, speed, and fluidity in his strikes make him a nightmare for opponents. Whether it’s his powerful left hook, straight punches, or devastating kicks, Pereira’s striking is always dangerous.
3. Fight IQ
Pereira’s understanding of his opponents and the fight game is exceptional. He knows when to be patient and when to attack, making him a calculated and dangerous fighter inside the Octagon.
4. Mental Toughness
Pereira’s mental fortitude is another reason for his success. His ability to stay calm under pressure, coupled with his past experiences in kickboxing, has made him a resilient and composed fighter, even when facing adversity.
Future in the UFC
As of 2025, Alex Pereira’s future in the UFC looks incredibly bright. After capturing the middleweight title from Israel Adesanya, many fans and analysts are wondering how long Pereira can maintain his dominance in the division. The middleweight landscape is full of talent, but Pereira’s striking and knockout power give him a huge advantage.
The prospect of future title defenses, potential super fights, and his ongoing rivalry with Adesanya make Alex Pereira one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC today. Fans will be eagerly watching as he continues to rise and solidify his legacy in MMA.
Conclusion
Alex Pereira’s journey from kickboxing champion to UFC middleweight champion is a testament to his incredible talent, hard work, and determination. His ability to dominate in both kickboxing and MMA has made him a unique and compelling figure in the combat sports world.
As he continues his UFC career, one thing is clear—Alex Pereira is a fighter to watch, and his story is far from over. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of combat sports, Pereira’s rise to UFC stardom is an exciting journey that promises more thrilling moments in the years to come.
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