At Karate Combat 55 in Miami, the bantamweight titleholder Arturo Vergara delivered a memorable tribute to Alex Pereira by replicating his signature knockout technique during a second-round stoppage against Franck Mbassi. This moment occurred as Pereira, accompanied by his coach Plinio Cruz, attended the event to support his sister Aline Pereira, who secured the vacant flyweight belt by defeating Fani Peloumpi via unanimous decision.
Karate Combat CEO Asim Zaidi recounted the dramatic finish, highlighting how Vergara’s precise left hook evoked Pereira’s fighting style. Zaidi described how Vergara signaled to Pereira before unleashing the sequence of strikes that ended the contest, underscoring the symbolic gesture within the ring.
”So, we needed a break before the finals because the heavyweights are fighting back to back. So, we needed a break. So, I put the bantamweight champ in a catchweight fight. He fought tonight. And when he got him on the pit wall, he’s hitting him. He looks to Alex Pereira and he goes, ‘Chama, boom! left hook.’ Finishes the guy. Unbelievable. It was left hook, elbow, left hook. Look, he said ‘Chama’ first and then finishing move of Alex Pereira. I mean, it’s poetic. It was crazy.”
—Asim Zaidi, CEO of Karate Combat
The Significance of Pereira Family’s Presence at Karate Combat 55
The event had added significance due to the presence of Alex Pereira and his coach supporting the success of Aline Pereira, who made a major achievement by winning the flyweight title. This reinforced the family’s deep connection to combat sports, bridging mixed martial arts and Karate Combat. Aline’s victory was a highlight of the night and added excitement to the occasion in Miami.
Alex Pereira’s MMA Journey and Upcoming Matches
Alex Pereira has had a remarkable 2024 in MMA, defending his light heavyweight title three times and earning the MMA Fighter of the Year accolade. Despite this success, he recently lost his UFC 205-pound championship to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 via unanimous decision. The two fighters are anticipated to face each other again later this year, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
Potential Transition for Alex Pereira to Karate Combat
In an interview with Home of Fight, Asim Zaidi elaborated on the possibility of Alex Pereira joining Karate Combat after concluding his UFC career. Zaidi expressed optimism about Pereira’s future involvement in the organization and even envisioned a high-profile bout against former UFC fighter Robelis Despaigne within Karate Combat’s pit.
”Alex Pereira said that he needs to fight in the pit before his career is over. And one day when he gets maybe triple champ one day in the UFC, we’ll get him here in the pit to say goodbye. And I think you’ll see something really cool from him. So, that’s my dream match…Robelis Despaigne vs. Alex Pereira would be crazy right?…I don’t think anybody can handle Alex Pereira. He’s the man.”
—Asim Zaidi, CEO of Karate Combat
Looking Ahead: What Alex Pereira’s Future Holds
The tribute paid by Arturo Vergara captures the admiration held for Alex Pereira’s fighting prowess within Karate Combat and the broader martial arts community. As Pereira’s career advances with an upcoming rematch against Ankalaev and potential transition to Karate Combat, fans eagerly anticipate new moments of high drama and skill. Pereira’s influence continues to inspire fighters, as seen by the symbolic knockout performed in his honor, reinforcing his legacy inside and outside the UFC.