Alex Pereira, the acclaimed UFC two-division champion, celebrated his 38th birthday on July 7, drawing significant attention from MMA fans worldwide. Known for his remarkable rise and dominance in the octagon, Pereira continues to captivate audiences with his skill and resilience despite mixed reactions to his recent fights.
Pereira’s Rapid Rise and Championship Success
Since entering the UFC in 2021, Alex Pereira has secured an impressive 9-2 record. His breakthrough came when he dethroned Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 to become the middleweight champion. Subsequently, Pereira captured the vacant light heavyweight title by defeating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295, making him the ninth fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold belts in two weight divisions. His combination of lethal precision and calm demeanor has solidified his place among combat sports elites.
Throughout 2024, Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight crown against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 300, UFC 303, and UFC 307, respectively. These victories contributed to his being named MMA Fighter of the Year. However, his streak was halted earlier this year when Magomed Ankalaev defeated him by unanimous decision at UFC 313 during his fourth title defense.
Widespread Fan Reactions to Pereira’s Birthday
When ESPN MMA shared news of Pereira’s birthday on the social platform X, fans quickly responded, reflecting a mix of admiration and playful banter. Comments such as
“Best 1 year run in UFC history, CHAMA”
and
“38 and still handing out nightmares, ‘Poatan’s’ reign is pure violence and precision”
highlighted his fierce reputation. Several fans also felt that Pereira remains underappreciated, praising his activity level and excitement as a champion, while acknowledging the need for occasional breaks.
Among the fan remarks were:
“Best 1 year run in UFC history, CHAMA”
—Fan comment
“Haven’t heard Chamas in a minute”
—Fan comment
“38 and still handing out nightmares, ‘Poatan’s’ reign is pure violence and precision”
—Fan comment
“As much hype as he got, still feel he’s under appreciated by a lot of the fan base. Everything you want in a champ..usually exciting and active. He did need a break, but he shouldn’t be underestimated.”
—Fan comment
Joe Rogan Commends Pereira’s Remarkable Achievements
On a recent episode of his Fight Companion podcast, commentator Joe Rogan praised Alex Pereira’s swift success in capturing two UFC world titles. Rogan emphasized Pereira’s unprecedented accomplishment, remarking on how quickly he achieved a double championship status early in his UFC career.
“Who the f*ck has ever won two world titles quicker than that [Pereira]? I mean, nobody, never. Never been done. Nobody’s been a champ-champ quicker than that guy. Right now, just a few fights into his UFC career [and] he’s a Hall of Famer, 100%.”
—Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
What Lies Ahead for the Two-Division Champion
Turning 38 marks a significant milestone in Alex Pereira’s career, as he remains a formidable presence in mixed martial arts. Despite his recent loss, he continues to generate excitement among fans and analysts alike, who eagerly anticipate his next return to the octagon. Pereira’s track record of quick adaptation and championship-caliber performances suggests he will remain a top contender and influence the sport’s landscape in the years to come.