Alex Pereira is one of the most devastating strikers in UFC history, known for his knockout power and journey from kickboxing legend to two-division champ. As of early 2026, he’s dominating the light heavyweight scene with his signature left hook.
Alex Pereira’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Alex Sandro Silva Pereira |
| Nickname | Poatan |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years |
| Birthplace | São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Religion | Converted to Islam in 2015, now practices shamanism from Pataxó roots |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) |
| Reach | N/A |
| Gym / Team | Teixeira MMA & Fitness (with Glover Teixeira) |
| Professional Debut | 2015 (MMA) |
| Current Ranking | UFC Light Heavyweight Champion |
| MMA Record | 13-3 (11 KO/TKO) |
| Net Worth | ~$3-5 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Ex-wife (name private); rumored dating Aline Antoniassi |
| Children | 2 sons: Alessandro Vidal Silva, Lohan Vidal Silva |
| Instagram Profile | @alexpoatanpereira |
Poatan shares family moments on social media, training his sons in fighting basics. His personal life stays low-key amid UFC stardom. Fans love his humble vibe from favelas to fame.
Early Career
Alex Pereira grew up in a São Paulo favela, dropping out at 12 to work in a tire shop while battling alcoholism. Kickboxing saved him—he started training in 2009, debiting pro in 2012 with a decision win over Clei Silva. By 2017, he claimed Glory middleweight gold with five defenses, then added light heavyweight in 2021, becoming the first double champ. MMA transition hit in 2015 under Glover Teixeira’s wing.
Professional Career
Pereira exploded into UFC at 268 in 2021, flying-knee KO’ing Andreas Michailidis. He racked quick wins over Bruno Silva, Sean Strickland, then stunned by snatching middleweight title from Israel Adesanya at UFC 281. Lost it back in their rematch but bounced to light heavyweight, claiming vacant gold via TKO over Jiri Prochazka at 295.
Defended against Prochazka again, Jamahal Hill, Khalil Rountree, dropped title to Magomed Ankalaev in 2025 at UFC 313 but avenged it with first-round elbows at UFC 320. Stays champ with 85% KO rate.
Alex Pereira’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Poatan’s net worth sits around $3-5 million, fueled by UFC purses, PPV shares, and endorsements. Champs like him earn big from title defenses—his UFC 300 payout alone topped $2.9M. Investments and sponsorships push it higher yearly.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Date | Event | Base Salary | PPV Payout (est.) | Bonus | Total Est. |
| Andreas Michailidis | 11/6/2021 | UFC 268 | $50k | $50k | $4k | $154k |
| Bruno Silva | 3/12/2022 | UFC FN Santos | $50k | – | $4k | $104k |
| Sean Strickland | 7/2/2022 | UFC 276 | $90k | $60k | $4k | $244k |
| Israel Adesanya | 11/12/2022 | UFC 281 | $300k | $32k | – | $682k |
| Israel Adesanya | 4/8/2023 | UFC 287 | $1M | $725k | $42k | $1.767M |
| Jiri Prochazka | 11/11/2023 | UFC 295 | $1M | $100k | $82k | $1.682M |
| Jamahal Hill | 4/13/2024 | UFC 300 | $1.2M | $1.6M | $142k | $2.942M |
| Jiri Prochazka | 6/29/2024 | UFC 303 | $3.3M | $200k | $92k | $3.592M |
| Khalil Rountree | 10/5/2024 | UFC 307 | $2M | $600k | $92k | $2.992M |
| Magomed Ankalaev | 3/8/2025 | UFC 313 | $2M | $400k | $42k | $2.442M |
Career Earnings
| Period/Fight | Total Earnings Est. |
| UFC Debut to 281 | ~$1.184M |
| UFC 287 (Loss) | $1.767M |
| UFC 295 Title Win | $1.682M |
| UFC 300 Defense | $2.942M |
| UFC 303 Defense | $3.592M |
| UFC 307 Defense | $2.992M |
| UFC 313 (Loss) | $2.442M |
| UFC 320 Rematch Win | ~$3M+ (est. similar structure) |
| Career UFC Total | Over $20M (with PPVs) |
| Kickboxing Era | Undisclosed, multi-million |
Endorsements
Alex Pereira stacks smart deals that fit his powerhouse image, like AthletiCBD for recovery, OWNIC watches, Monster Energy drinks, and fresh Aviator gaming sponsorship revealed on his YouTube. His manager locks these in alongside UFC gigs, boosting income without distractions. Poatan’s brand grows with every KO, drawing brands eyeing his global fanbase.
Achievements
| Title/Achievement | Year/Event | Details |
| Glory Middleweight Champion | 2017 | 5 defenses |
| Glory Light Heavyweight Champ | 2019-2021 (unified) | First double Glory champ |
| UFC Middleweight Champion | 2022 (UFC 281) | Beat Israel Adesanya |
| UFC Light Heavyweight Champion | 2023 (UFC 295, vacant) | TKO Jiri Prochazka; multiple defenses |
| Performance of the Night | Multiple (e.g., 295) | 2-division champ in UFC |
| Shortest 3 Title Defenses | Glory record | Historic kickboxing run |
Fight Record
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Event | Notes |
| 10/4/2025 | Magomed Ankalaev | Win | TKO Elbows | 1 | UFC 320 | Regained LHW title |
| 3/8/2025 | Magomed Ankalaev | Loss | Unanimous Dec | 5 | UFC 313 | Title loss |
| 10/5/2024 | Khalil Rountree Jr. | Win | TKO Punch | 4 | UFC 307 | Title defense |
| 6/29/2024 | Jiri Prochazka | Win | TKO Kick | 2 | UFC 303 | Title defense |
| 4/13/2024 | Jamahal Hill | Win | TKO Punch | 1 | UFC 300 | Epic KO |
| 11/11/2023 | Jiri Prochazka | Win | TKO Elbows | 2 | UFC 295 | Won vacant LHW title |
| 4/8/2023 | Israel Adesanya | Loss | KO/TKO Punch | 2 | UFC 287 | Lost MW title |
| 11/12/2022 | Israel Adesanya | Win | KO/TKO Punches | 5 | UFC 281 | Won MW title |
| 7/2/2022 | Sean Strickland | Win | KO/TKO Punches | 1 | UFC 276 | Statement KO |
FAQs
1. Who is Alex Pereira?
Alex Pereira is a Brazilian MMA fighter nicknamed “Poatan,” known for transitioning from kickboxing to UFC stardom. He is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion with a professional MMA record of 13-3.
2. What is Alex Pereira’s age and background?
Born on July 7, 1987, in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, Alex Pereira is 38 years old. He overcame alcohol struggles early in life before dedicating himself to combat sports.
3. What is Alex Pereira’s height, weight, and stance?
Alex Pereira stands at 6’4″ (193 cm) tall, weighs 205 lbs (93 kg), and fights in an orthodox stance. His 79-inch reach aids his striking power.
4. What is Alex Pereira’s kickboxing record and achievements?
In kickboxing, Pereira holds a 33-7 record with 21 knockouts. He became GLORY’s first two-division champion at middleweight and light heavyweight.
5. What is Alex Pereira’s UFC record?
Pereira’s UFC record is 10-2, with 8 wins by KO/TKO. He has fought primarily at middleweight (4-1) and light heavyweight (6-1).
6. How did Alex Pereira win UFC titles?
He won the UFC Middleweight title by TKOing Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in 2022. Pereira claimed the Light Heavyweight title via TKO against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 in 2023.
7. What are Alex Pereira’s notable UFC wins?
Key victories include KO over Sean Strickland (UFC 276), TKO of Israel Adesanya (UFC 281), and KOs against Jamahal Hill (UFC 300), Jiri Prochazka twice, and Khalil Rountree (UFC 307).
8. What are Alex Pereira’s UFC losses?
Pereira lost the Middleweight title by KO to Israel Adesanya in their rematch at UFC 287 (2023). He dropped a unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 (2025).
9. Why is Alex Pereira so popular?
Pereira’s popularity stems from his knockout power, exciting fights, stone-faced persona, and underdog story. Beating rivals like Adesanya boosted his fanbase among heavyweight-style striker fans.
10. What is Alex Pereira’s next fight?
After reclaiming the Light Heavyweight title via first-round TKO over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 (October 2025), Pereira is recovering from injury. Negotiations are close for a potential heavyweight debut in 2026.