Alex Pereira, the Brazilian fighter known as “Poatan” or “Stone Hands,” has carved an extraordinary path through combat sports. As a two-division champion in both Glory Kickboxing and the UFC, he stands among the most accomplished strikers to ever compete in mixed martial arts. Currently the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Pereira continues to build a legacy that bridges two sports. For more on another iconic Brazilian athlete, read about Ayrton Senna – Biography, Death, Helmet & Legacy.
Born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Pereira’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of MMA is a story of discipline and devastating power. With a professional kickboxing record of 33–7 and an MMA record of 13–4–0, his left hook has become one of the most feared weapons in the sport. He trains at Teixeira MMA & Fitness under former UFC champion Glover Teixeira.
As of 2025, Pereira is recovering from a foot injury, with his next fight expected in 2026. His status as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion remains secure, and speculation continues about potential opponents and future matchups.
What are Alex Pereira’s physical statistics?
Alex Pereira at a Glance
Alex Pereira
Poatan
July 7, 1987 (age 37 in 2025)
Brazilian
Key Insights
- Only fighter to hold simultaneous world titles in MMA and kickboxing across two divisions each.
- Won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2022 and the Light Heavyweight Championship in 2023.
- 11 of 13 wins by (T)KO — a pure striker with no submission victories in MMA.
- His 6′4″ frame with a 79″ reach is elite for the light heavyweight division.
- Fastest title run in UFC history: became champion 1 year and 6 days after his promotional debut.
- Trained by former UFC champion Glover Teixeira at Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Danbury, Connecticut.
Alex Pereira – Key Stats & Facts
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 13–4–0 (Wins: 11 KO, 0 SUB, 2 DEC; Losses: 2 KO, 1 SUB, 1 DEC) |
| Height | 6′4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) – Light Heavyweight |
| Reach | 79″ (201 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1987 (age 37) |
| Team | Teixeira MMA & Fitness |
| Kickboxing Record | 33–7, 21 KOs (pro) |
What is Alex Pereira’s fighting record and career status?
Pereira’s professional MMA record stands at 13 wins and 4 losses. All but two of his victories have come by knockout or technical knockout, reflecting his kickboxing pedigree. His two decision wins include a split decision over Israel Adesanya in their first kickboxing meeting and a unanimous decision over Jan Błachowicz in his light heavyweight debut. Detailed fight histories are available through Sherdog.
His losses include a knockout defeat to Adesanya in their UFC middleweight title rematch, a submission loss to Adesanya in their first MMA fight, and two other decision losses earlier in his career. The only fighter to hold a win over Pereira in MMA is Israel Adesanya, who has beaten him twice.
Pereira is the only fighter in history to be a two-division world champion in MMA and kickboxing simultaneously. He won the Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles before transitioning to the UFC, where he captured both the middleweight and light heavyweight belts.
Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya: A Rivalry Across Two Sports
Pereira and Israel Adesanya have faced each other four times across kickboxing and MMA. In kickboxing, Pereira won twice — once by knockout and once by a close decision. In MMA, Pereira won the first meeting by fifth-round TKO to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship, and Adesanya won the rematch by second-round knockout to reclaim the title.
Their rivalry is one of the most compelling in combat sports, defined by mutual respect and a shared history in both Glory and the UFC. No other pairing has produced four fights across two major sports at the championship level.
Alex Pereira next fight
As of late 2025, no official opponent or date has been confirmed for Pereira’s next fight. He is recovering from a foot injury sustained during his October 2025 title defense, and his return is expected in 2026. Potential opponents include top light heavyweight contenders such as Khalil Rountree Jr. or a possible rematch with Israel Adesanya, should Adesanya move up in weight. The UFC has not made any announcements.
Who is Alex Pereira’s wife and what is his net worth?
Alex Pereira wife
Alex Pereira is married to Daniele Souza. The couple maintains a relatively private personal life, and limited public details are available about their relationship. Pereira has shared occasional photos and mentions on social media, but he does not frequently discuss his family in interviews. His focus remains on his training and fighting career.
Alex Pereira net worth
Pereira’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million. This figure is based on publicly reported fight purses, pay-per-view bonuses, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals. However, no verified financial statement has been released by Pereira or his representatives. The estimate remains speculative and should be treated as an approximation.
Net worth figures for MMA fighters are often rough estimates compiled from public fight purses, sponsorship income, and social media indicators. In Pereira’s case, the $8–12 million range is an industry estimate and has not been confirmed by any official source. Fight purses vary significantly by event, and endorsement income is not publicly disclosed.
How did Alex Pereira rise from kickboxing to UFC champion?
- July 7, 1987 – Born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- 2009 – Made professional kickboxing debut.
- 2017 – Won the Glory Middleweight Championship.
- 2019 – Became Glory Interim Light Heavyweight Champion.
- 2021 – Unified the Glory Light Heavyweight title, becoming the first double champion in Glory history.
- November 2021 – UFC debut at UFC 268, defeating Andreas Michailidis by TKO in the second round.
- November 2022 – Defeated Israel Adesanya by TKO in the fifth round to win the UFC Middleweight Championship — the fastest title run in UFC history (1 year, 6 days after debut).
- April 2023 – Lost the middleweight title to Adesanya by knockout at UFC 287.
- November 2023 – Moved to light heavyweight and defeated Jiří Procházka at UFC 295 to win the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, becoming the 9th double champion in UFC history.
- 2024–2025 – Defended the light heavyweight title three times, all by KO/TKO, and was named 2024 Fighter of the Year by multiple outlets. Career coverage and statistics are tracked by ESPN MMA.
What is known and unknown about Alex Pereira’s career?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Professional MMA record: 13–4–0 — confirmed by official UFC and sanctioning bodies. | Net worth: estimated $8–12 million but no verified statement exists. |
| Height (6′4″), weight (205 lbs), reach (79″), and age (born July 7, 1987) — official measurements. | Next fight opponent and date — subject to contract, injury recovery, and UFC scheduling. |
| Won UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight championships — documented by the UFC. | Wife’s identity is known (Daniele Souza), but limited public details about their personal life. |
| Kickboxing record: 33–7, 21 KOs — confirmed by Glory and multiple sources. | Exact breakdown of endorsement income and sponsorship earnings. |
Analysis: Alex Pereira’s Impact and Style
Fighting Style
Pereira fights from an orthodox stance and relies on devastating left hooks and low kicks. His kickboxing background gives him superior stand-up compared to most UFC light heavyweights. He generates knockout power from both hands, and his ability to read opponents’ timing has been a decisive factor in his victories. His wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remain developing areas, and he has not yet faced elite grapplers at 205 pounds.
Historical Significance
Pereira is the only fighter to hold world titles in MMA and kickboxing at the same time. His rapid rise in the UFC — winning championships in two weight classes within 18 months — is historically unprecedented. He became the ninth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously, joining names like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. A comprehensive biography and career timeline is maintained on Wikipedia.
Challenges
Wrestling-based fighters present a significant threat to Pereira. Jan Błachowicz, a former light heavyweight champion with strong grappling, tested Pereira’s takedown defense in their fight. Pereira has yet to face the division’s most dangerous wrestlers, and how he handles elite grapplers at 205 pounds remains an open question in his career.
Trusted Sources & Quotations
The following sources provide reliable information about Alex Pereira’s career and statistics. Official data from the UFC and recognized sports databases form the foundation of the facts presented here.
“Pereira is the only fighter to be a two-division world champion in MMA and kickboxing simultaneously.”
— Wikipedia
- UFC Profile – Alex Pereira — official UFC athlete page with fight history and statistics.
- Sherdog – Alex Pereira — comprehensive MMA database with fight records and event history.
- ESPN MMA – Alex Pereira — sports media profile with stats, news, and fight schedule.
- Wikipedia – Alex Pereira — encyclopedic biography with detailed career timeline and citations.
- Tapology – Alex Pereira — community-driven fighter profile with fight history and news.
What’s Next for Alex Pereira?
As of early 2025, no official fight has been announced for Alex Pereira. Rumors suggest a potential rematch with Israel Adesanya or a fight with a top light heavyweight contender such as Khalil Rountree Jr. A move to heavyweight has also been discussed informally. For updates, fans can follow the official UFC website or Pereira’s social media channels. For another sports icon profile, see Dennis Rodman – 2025 Biography, Net Worth and Key Facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Pereira
What is Alex Pereira’s reach?
79 inches (201 cm).
How many knockout wins does Alex Pereira have?
11 out of 13 wins are by (T)KO.
Has Alex Pereira ever been submitted?
Yes, once — by Israel Adesanya in 2023.
What weight class is Alex Pereira now?
He competes at Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) in the UFC.
Is Alex Pereira the same as Vitor Pereira?
No — Vitor Pereira is a different fighter (also from Brazil) with no relation.
How old is Alex Pereira?
He was born on July 7, 1987, making him 37 years old as of 2025.
What does “Poatan” mean?
It means “Stone Hands” and is a nickname given to Pereira in his native Brazil, reflecting his punching power.
What team does Alex Pereira train with?
He trains at Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Danbury, Connecticut, under former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira.
How many times has Alex Pereira defended the light heavyweight title?
He has defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship three times, all by KO/TKO, as of late 2025.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at BritainNow.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.