Joe Rogan’s deep experience in combat sports gave him a remarkable intuition about future MMA stars. Back in 2021, just before Alex Pereira made his UFC debut at UFC 268, Rogan saw something special in the then lesser-known fighter. Although Pereira was placed on the preliminary card and far from mainstream recognition, Rogan expressed strong confidence in his potential, particularly emphasizing Pereira’s knockout power and striking skill.
During a conversation with Daniel Cormier before the event, Rogan stated:
I cannot overstate how excited I am about the debut of Alex Pereira. You want to talk about a guy with ridiculous power? That’s Alex Pereira. …That’s what a scary kickboxer Alex Pereira is — perhaps the most feared kickboxer on Earth.
—Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
At the time, Cormier was skeptical, but Pereira quickly silenced doubts by delivering an emphatic flying knee knockout of Andreas Michailidis that night. This moment signaled the beginning of a rapid and notable ascent within the UFC.
The Meteoric Rise of Alex Pereira to Two-Division Champion
Following his electrifying debut, Alex Pereira’s trajectory accelerated swiftly. Within a year, he challenged and defeated Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC middleweight title. Not resting on his laurels, Pereira then moved up to the light heavyweight division, where he also secured the championship, becoming a two-division UFC titleholder. This climb surpassed many expectations considering his late entry into UFC competition and the toughness of the divisions involved.
In a recent episode of the JRE MMA Show #168 with Khalil Rountree Jr., Rogan revisited his foresight:
He was a guy I talked up big time when he was in Glory. When I found out he was coming over to the UFC, I was like, ‘Buckle up, because this is just different. He just hits different.’ And, you know, his frame’s different too. He moves differently.
—Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
Pereira’s rise has been characterized not only by title wins but also by successful defenses. His reign at light heavyweight is viewed as one of the most dominant stretches in recent UFC history, underscoring his status as a consistent force inside the Octagon. Over the past year alone, Pereira fought three times, defending his championship each occasion and often serving as a major highlight on UFC cards that otherwise struggled to capture broad fan interest.
Recognition as UFC’s “Boogeyman” and Overcoming Skepticism
Joe Rogan’s early confidence in Pereira was initially met with doubt, even from seasoned MMA personalities like Daniel Cormier. When Pereira first stepped into the UFC, many questioned whether a fighter in his mid-30s could adapt and succeed against top-tier opponents, especially with a roster full of elite wrestlers and grapplers. However, Pereira’s performances quickly disproved those concerns.
In a special 2024 ‘Fight Companion’ episode filmed in New York with friends Joey Diaz, Brendan Schaub, and Eddie Bravo, Rogan reflected on Pereira’s journey and how he had to convince skeptics. He recalled:
Bro, I remember I was telling people about him before he entered the UFC. I was telling DC (Daniel Cormier). DC didn’t believe me. He was like, ‘Come on.’ I go, ‘Dude, you gotta listen to me. You gotta listen to me. This guy has that crazy power. He’s got something weird, where he hits guys, they look confused.’ I watched him beat everything.
—Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
That power and unique fighting style positioned Pereira as a frightening presence in the division, earning him the moniker of the UFC’s ultimate “boogeyman.” He has become a well-known figure feared by many opponents, demonstrating that his rise wasn’t just rapid but also authoritative, cementing his place among MMA’s elite.
Recent Challenges and Upcoming Opportunities
Despite his dominant run, Pereira has faced challenges. Earlier this year, he experienced his first defeat at light heavyweight against Magomed Ankalaev, ending a near flawless streak. Yet, this setback has only set the stage for a pivotal rematch slated for UFC 320, providing Pereira with an opportunity to reclaim his title and solidify his legacy.
This high-stakes rematch is keenly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as it will test whether Pereira can rebound from loss and maintain his status at the sport’s highest levels. His ability to recover and adapt could define the next important phase of his career.
Significance of Rogan’s Accurate Prediction for MMA Fans
Joe Rogan’s accurate prediction highlights his deep understanding of combat sports talent, and Alex Pereira’s story serves as a testament to skill, hard work, and resilience. Their intertwined narrative—from Rogan’s early hype of an unknown fighter to Pereira’s current status as a two-division UFC champion—offers a compelling example of foresight matching outcome.
As Pereira prepares for future battles, his rise stands as an inspirational case study in sports, showing how determination and unique talent can overcome doubts and lead to historic accomplishments. For the UFC and its fans, Pereira brings excitement and legitimacy to the divisions he dominates, while creating anticipation for what his next chapters will bring.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Alex Pereira lose?
A. Alex Pereira experienced just his third defeat ever and his first loss in six fights, losing by unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on Saturday.
Q. How is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. After a sparring session, Pereira thinks about the source of his strength. He believes two key elements are technique and genetics. He excels in striking with both kicks and punches.
Q. How many units does an Alex Pereira punch pack? Unless the machine is broken, Alex Pereira didn’t just surpass Francis Ngannou’s punch but he completely blew that old record out of the water. According to this machine, Pereira’s single punch packs an outrageous 191,796 units.
A. Is Alex Pereira more powerful than Francis Ngannou?