Alex Pereira

Fighter Information

Alex Sandro Silva Pereira (born 7 July 1987) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC, where he is the current and two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Middleweight Champion. Pereira made history as the ninth fighter in UFC history to become champion in two different weight divisions.
Full Name :
Alex Sandro Silva Pereira
Birthdate :
7 July 1987
Birthplace :
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
193
Weight (kg) :
93
Residence :
Danbury, Connecticut, USA
Nationality :
Brazil
Career Started :
2010
Notable Wins :
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (2023, 2024), UFC Middleweight Champion (2022), Glory Middleweight Champion (2016, 2017), Glory Light Heavyweight Champion (2019)
Awards :
Performance of the Night (Win Year 2021), Performance of the Night (Win Year 2022), Performance of the Night (Win Year 2023), Fight of the Night (Win Year 2024)
Current Team :
Teixeira MMA & Fitness
Rank Belt :
Black belt (Kickboxing), Black belt (Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
Reach :
200
Active Status :
From - 2010, To - 2021
Ring Name :
Poatan
Stance :
Orthodox

Biography

Alex Pereira is a skilled UFC fighter renowned for his striking skill and impressive kickboxing background. He boasts a professional kickboxing record of 33 wins and 7 losses, alongside a black belt in kickboxing. Pereira captured the UFC Light Heavyweight title in November 2023 and has defended it successfully three times. With an estimated net worth of $2 million, his achievements reflect considerable financial success in the sport. Further insights into his life and career highlight his unique path.

Early Life

Alex Pereira began his adventure in martial arts in 2009, initially to improve his quality of life.

Before starting a professional fighting career, he worked as a tire repairman, a job that contributed greatly to his strong work ethic and resilience.

Pereira holds a black belt in kickboxing and achieved an impressive 25-3 amateur record, demonstrating his early commitment to the sport.

His professional kickboxing career boasts a record of 33 wins and 7 losses, highlighting his skills and dedication.

Furthermore, his indigenous name “Poatan” reflects a deep connection to his cultural heritage.

Family Life

Alex Pereira is a devoted family man who cherishes his role as a father to his children.

His family, including his mother, serves as a notable source of inspiration and motivation throughout his fighting career.

Pereira’s loved ones are not only supportive but actively participate in celebrating his achievements, attending his fights and sharing in his successes.

The strong bonds he has with his family reflect his deep commitment to them, which plays an essential role in his life both inside and outside the octagon.

Career

Alex Pereira, known as “Poatan,” made his UFC debut on November 6, 2021, and quickly established himself as an impressive competitor in the octagon.

He captured the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight title on November 11, 2023, exhibiting his exceptional striking skills and powerful performances. Pereira successfully defended his title three times, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.

However, he lost the title to Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision on March 8, 2025.

With a striking accuracy of 62% and an average of 5.00 notable strikes landed per minute, Pereira is recognized for his potent kickboxing style, complemented by his grappling skills, including the effective Anaconda choke technique.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Alex Pereira’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, primarily derived from his successful career in MMA and kickboxing.

His earnings have seen a notable increase through high-profile UFC bouts, including his top five fights where he earned the following salaries:

  • $1 million for his match against Israel Adesanya
  • $500,000 for his bout with Ji?í Procházka
  • $300,000 for his fight against Jan B?achowicz
  • $250,000 for his match with Sean Strickland
  • $200,000 for his encounter with Bruno Silva

These earnings, combined with performance bonuses and endorsements, have solidified his financial success, particularly during his tenure as the UFC light heavyweight champion.

In addition to fight purses, Pereira has secured multiple sponsorship deals that improve his financial standing within the combat sports industry.

His prior achievements in kickboxing and his status as a dual champion in different promotions have further contributed to his marketability and total net worth.