Alex Pereira has completely changed his life since joining the UFC, making astronomical amounts of money that most fighters could only dream of.
The 37-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most ruthless operators in the world, with the majority of his wins coming within bounds.
Not only is he a crushing puncher, but the Brazilian has also proven to be an elite technician, using his versatile skills to become a two-division UFC champion.
However, MMA fans familiar with his story know that Alex Pereira has overcome countless adversities to get to this point.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Alex Pereira reveals money problems that prevented him from buying diapers for his children
Before entering the world of martial arts at the age of 21, 'Poatan' was forced to drop out of school in an attempt to support his family.
But shortly after becoming a bricklayer's assistant, Pereira's health took a hit when he began developing an alcohol addiction and struggled to escape the drinking culture he was soon immersed in.
But eventually he decided it was time to turn his life around. He started kickboxing unusually late before wreaking havoc in the octagon.
It was of course during his kickboxing career when he first met MMA legend Israel Adesanya, defeating his rival twice in the ring before their riveting trilogy in the cage.
Sure enough, it was Pereira's win over 'The Last Stylebender' in 2022 that catapulted him onto the path to super stardom.
Reflecting on his remarkable story while sitting in a Ferrari, Pereira wrote of X: “I remember my sons were in their last pair of diapers and I had no money to buy new ones.”
If my company has the last fralda, and it is no longer possible to compare anymore.
I remember when my sons were wearing their last pair of diapers and I had no money to buy new ones pic.twitter.com/a5LbrjB4R7
— Alex “Poatan” Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) November 27, 2024
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Will Alex Pereira fight Magomed Ankalaev or Jon Jones next?
After his devastating fourth-round knockout against Khalil Rountree Jr. Pereira is yet to announce his next opponent.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
But while no official announcement has been made yet, the formidable striker will almost certainly clash with number one light-heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev next year.
And yet, while Ankalaev deserves his shot, Pereira is also teasing a potential legacy-defining clash with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Still, until that day comes, the light-heavyweight king will undoubtedly continue to secure his family's future.
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