Alex Pereira, known by the nickname “Poatan,” is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former Glory kickboxing champion who has rapidly become one of the most dominant forces in the UFC. As of 2025, he holds the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and is exploring a potential move to the heavyweight division. This article provides a complete overview of his MMA record, physical stats, upcoming fight news, personal life, and career trajectory.
Pereira’s journey from the kickboxing rings of Glory to the top of the UFC is unprecedented. He is the only fighter to become a two-division champion in both organizations, a feat that places him in a unique category in combat sports history.
With 13 wins in MMA and a striking arsenal that has produced 11 knockouts, Pereira continues to draw attention from fans and analysts alike. His next move — whether a title defense at light heavyweight or a jump to heavyweight — is one of the most anticipated decisions in the sport.
What is Alex Pereira’s MMA Record and Key Stats?
Alex Pereira
Poatan
6’4″ (193 cm)
Light Heavyweight (moving to Heavyweight)
Key Insights
- Alex Pereira is the only fighter to become a two-division champion in both Glory Kickboxing and UFC.
- He transitioned successfully from kickboxing to MMA in 2021, quickly rising to the top of the light heavyweight division.
- Pereira’s striking is his primary weapon, with 11 of 13 wins coming by KO/TKO.
- He has a notable rivalry with Israel Adesanya, with wins in both kickboxing and MMA.
- Pereira is currently considering a move to heavyweight, which could set up a fight with Ciryl Gane or others.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Record | 13-4-0 (11 KO, 0 Sub, 1 Loss by Submission, 3 Decisions) |
| Reach | 79″ (201 cm) |
| Age | 37 (born July 7, 1987) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| UFC Championships | UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (2023–present), former UFC Middleweight Champion |
| Glory Championships | Glory Middleweight & Light Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Wins | Israel Adesanya (x2), Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill |
| Last Fight | Defeated Jamahal Hill via TKO at UFC 300 (April 2024) |
Pereira’s 79-inch reach is among the longest in the light heavyweight division, giving him a significant advantage in striking range against most opponents.
Who is Alex Pereira’s Next Fight Against?
Current Status of His Next Fight
As of early 2025, the UFC has not officially announced Alex Pereira’s next opponent or fight date. Reports indicate that Pereira is weighing two options: defending his light heavyweight title or moving up to heavyweight. No contract has been signed for either scenario.
Is Alex Pereira Fighting Ciryl Gane?
Speculation about a fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane has gained traction following Pereira’s public hints about a heavyweight move. Ciryl Gane, a top contender in the heavyweight division, would present a significant size and reach challenge for Pereira. However, no official negotiations have been confirmed by the UFC or either fighter’s camp.
The UFC may schedule Pereira’s next fight for late 2024 or early 2025. Potential opponents include Magomed Ankalaev at light heavyweight or Ciryl Gane at heavyweight. Fans are eager to see if Pereira can become a three-division champion across two sports.
Who is Alex Pereira’s Wife? Details About His Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Alex Pereira is married, but his wife’s identity is known only through limited public sources. She is reported to be a private person who rarely appears in media interviews or on Pereira’s social channels. The couple has children, though Pereira generally keeps details about his family life out of the public spotlight.
Does Alex Pereira Have Children?
Yes, Pereira has children. He has occasionally shared moments with his family on social media, but he does not discuss them extensively in interviews. His focus remains on training and competition, and he has stated that his family provides motivation for his career.
Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane: Potential Heavyweight Showdown
Is Alex Pereira Moving to Heavyweight?
Pereira has publicly stated that he is considering a move to the heavyweight division. At 37 years old, he may be looking to take on new challenges and legacy-defining fights before the end of his career. A move to heavyweight would mean facing opponents who are significantly larger and heavier than those in the light heavyweight division.
Could Alex Pereira Fight Ciryl Gane?
A potential matchup between Pereira and Ciryl Gane is plausible if Pereira moves up. Gane, a former interim UFC heavyweight champion, possesses elite striking and mobility for a heavyweight. Such a fight would be a clash of technical strikers and could headline a major pay-per-view event.
What Would a Pereira vs Gane Fight Look Like?
Analysts suggest that Pereira would rely on his kickboxing precision and power, while Gane would use his movement, reach, and diverse striking to keep the fight at distance. Gane’s size advantage — he stands 6’5″ with an 81-inch reach — would neutralize some of Pereira’s physical advantages. The fight would likely be decided by who can dictate the range and pace.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding a fight between Pereira and Ciryl Gane. All discussions remain speculative, and fans should wait for confirmation from the UFC or the fighters’ representatives.
Alex Pereira Career Timeline: From Kickboxing to UFC Champion
- – Born in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.
- – Professional kickboxing career in Glory, becomes first double champion in organization history.
- – Makes MMA debut in LFA, then signs with the UFC.
- – Wins UFC Middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya via TKO.
- – Moves to Light Heavyweight, wins vacant title by defeating Jiri Prochazka.
- – Defends Light Heavyweight title against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300; announces potential heavyweight move.
What is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Alex Pereira’s Career?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Alex Pereira’s record and past fights are verified official numbers from the UFC and Glory. | Alex Pereira’s next fight opponent and date are not yet officially announced. |
| He is the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and a former Middleweight Champion. | Reports suggest a possible move to heavyweight and a fight with Ciryl Gane, but no contract has been signed. |
| He defeated Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April 2024. | Pereira’s wife’s identity is known but rarely discussed in media; some sources mention she is a private person. |
The Context Behind Alex Pereira’s Remarkable Rise
Alex Pereira’s rise in MMA is remarkable given his late start in the sport. He leveraged elite kickboxing skills honed over a decade in Glory to dominate in the UFC. Moving to heavyweight would test his power against larger opponents, a challenge that few light heavyweight champions have attempted successfully.
His rivalry with Israel Adesanya is a key storyline that has defined much of his UFC career. Pereira holds wins over Adesanya in both kickboxing and MMA, making their rivalry one of the most compelling in recent combat sports history. At 37 years old, Pereira may be pushing to take bigger risks for legacy-defining fights before retirement.
The transition from kickboxing to MMA is notoriously difficult, but Pereira’s ability to adapt his striking to the MMA cage, combined with his growing takedown defense, has allowed him to succeed where many others have failed.
Sources and Where to Find Official Information
Official statistics and biographical information about Alex Pereira can be found through the following reliable sources:
- Wikipedia – Alex Pereira – encyclopedia entry with full career details and citations.
- UFC Stats – Alex Pereira – official fight records and statistics.
- ESPN Profile – Alex Pereira – sports news and recent fight coverage.
- Tapology – Alex Pereira – fan-maintained record and upcoming fight listings.
- UFC Official – Alex Pereira – official UFC athlete page with news and media.
Summary: The State of Alex Pereira’s Career in 2025
Alex Pereira stands as one of the most accomplished strikers in MMA history, with championship titles in two weight classes across two sports. His next decision — whether to defend the light heavyweight title or pursue a heavyweight move — will shape the next chapter of his career. The UFC has not yet confirmed his next fight, but fans and analysts are watching closely for official announcements. For the latest on Pereira, check the Light Heavyweight Rankings and Top UFC Fighters pages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Pereira
How old is Alex Pereira?
Alex Pereira was born on July 7, 1987, making him 37 years old as of 2024.
How many losses does Alex Pereira have?
Alex Pereira has 13 wins and 4 losses in MMA, with 11 wins by knockout.
What is Alex Pereira’s reach?
His reach is 79 inches (201 cm).
Did Alex Pereira beat Israel Adesanya?
Yes, Pereira defeated Adesanya via TKO in 2022 to win the middleweight title.
Is Alex Pereira a heavyweight?
Currently he fights at light heavyweight but has expressed plans to move up to heavyweight.
What is Alex Pereira’s nickname?
His nickname is “Poatan,” which means “Stone Hand” in the Tupi-Guarani language.
Laura Pemberton is Entertainment Editor at readingwire.co.uk, covering celebrity news, film, TV, music, arts and culture.