Alex Pereira, is set to compete in the Light Heavyweight division at UFC 295. The event, taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 11, will crown the light heavyweight champion in a match between Procházka and Pereira. Let’s take a look at Pereira’s journey.
The story of Alex Pereira leading up to UFC 295
Pereira, who was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, decided to leave middle school at the age of 12 and started working at a tire shop. This decision was driven by the need to support his family and contribute to the household expenses. Influenced by his coworkers, Pereira developed a drinking problem and eventually became addicted to alcohol.
However, his life took a positive turn when he crossed paths with his first trainer, Wilson Nunes. Recognizing Pereira’s potential, Nunes became his mentor, and together they achieved great success in Pereira’s kickboxing career.
Pereira began his kickboxing journey in 2009 and went on to compete in the renowned boxing organization, Glory Kickboxing, in 2014. He won numerous fights and gained recognition in Brazil.
Transitioning from kickboxing, Pereira entered the world of professional mixed martial arts in 2015, making his debut at Jungle Fight 82 against Quemuel Ottoni, which he lost via submission.
He joined the UFC on September 3, 2021, and had his first promotional fight against Andreas Michailidis at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021, winning by technical knockout in the second round.
Pereira then faced Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 281 on November 12, 2022, securing victory via technical knockout in the fifth round and earning the Performance of the Night award.
A rematch with Adesanya occurred on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287, where Pereira lost by knockout in the final minute of the second round. On April 13, 2023, Pereira announced his move to the Light Heavyweight division via Twitter.
He fought former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz on July 29, 2023, at UFC 291, winning the closely contested match via split decision.
Pereira is set to face former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023.
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