What does Alex Pereira's face paint and headdress symbolize?

Last Modified Mar 9, 2025 08:32 GMT
UFC 300 Weigh-in
UFC 300 Weigh-in

Alex Pereira needs no introduction to the world of professional mixed martial arts. He is an acclaimed kickboxer and a professional mixed martial artist. The Brazilian fighter is currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Champion and was one of the few double-division champs of the promotion.

After making his professional debut as a mixed martial artist on October 24, 2015, in a middleweight bout against Quemuel Ottoni, Alex Periera went on to witness a meteoric rise in the fight business despite losing his first fight against Ottoni. Just after competing in four professional fights, Pereira made his debut in the UFC. On his debut in the promotion, he was welcomed to the octagon by Andreas Michailidis at UFC 268. Alex Pereira announced his arrival in the promotion with a dominant second-round TKO victory over Michailidis. He became the UFC middleweight champion by beating his old rival, Israel Adesanya, at UFC 281 by a fifth-round TKO. Adesanya later avenged his loss and defeated Pereira at UFC 287 via a second-round TKO.

Alex Pereira's face paint and headdress

Alex Pereira belongs to the Pataxo tribe, which is full of Indigenous people of Brazil, and his face paint and the headdress he supports during the traditional weigh-ins signify his connection to his roots. Pereira’s face paint and headdress honor the memory of his ancestors, along with a host of other tattoos that have similar underlying messages.

Alex Pereira's nickname

Alex Pereira is fondly called ‘Poatan’ in the professional mixed martial arts circuit. It might sound like a lovely nickname but in reality, it translates to ‘Stone Hands’ in the Tupi language, underscoring Pereira’s striking prowess and powerful punching ability. He was given this name by his kickboxing trainer, Belocqua Wera.

FAQs in Alex Pereira

A. He is from Sao Paulo, Brazil.


A. Yes, having won the belts at the middleweight division and the light heavyweight division, Pereira is a double-division champion.


A. It honors the memory of his ancestors of the Pataxo tribe.


A. He is 37 years old.


Related Stories

Muhammad Mokaev shares one-letter reaction to news of Alex Pereira reportedly donating huge sum to flood hit families in Brazil Muhammad Mokaev shares one-letter reaction to news of Alex Pereira reportedly donating huge sum to flood hit families in Brazil
Muhammad Mokaev shares one-letter reaction to news of Alex Pereira reportedly donating huge sum to flood hit families in Brazil
FREE FULL FIGHT: Jackie Buntan's phenomenal ONE Championship debut against 'Wondergirl' in pure no commentary form FREE FULL FIGHT: Jackie Buntan's phenomenal ONE Championship debut against 'Wondergirl' in pure no commentary form
FREE FULL FIGHT: Jackie Buntan's phenomenal ONE Championship debut against 'Wondergirl' in pure no commentary form
1d
“Eersel was the best version of himself” - Alexis Nicolas rues his form, admits he wasn’t at his best in rematch vs. Regian Eersel “Eersel was the best version of himself” - Alexis Nicolas rues his form, admits he wasn’t at his best in rematch vs. Regian Eersel
“Eersel was the best version of himself” - Alexis Nicolas rues his form, admits he wasn’t at his best in rematch vs. Regian Eersel
1d
Lyndon Knowles happy to swap roles with Jonathan Haggerty for impending ONE debut: "I'd make him hold my banner this time" Lyndon Knowles happy to swap roles with Jonathan Haggerty for impending ONE debut: "I'd make him hold my banner this time"
Lyndon Knowles happy to swap roles with Jonathan Haggerty for impending ONE debut: "I'd make him hold my banner this time"
“It became normal” - Two-sport king Regian Eersel admits his eight-year unbeaten streak took the joy out of winning “It became normal” - Two-sport king Regian Eersel admits his eight-year unbeaten streak took the joy out of winning
“It became normal” - Two-sport king Regian Eersel admits his eight-year unbeaten streak took the joy out of winning
1d
“I’m ready to put him out” - Alexis Nicolas gunning for a decisive finish to reclaim lightweight kickboxing belt from Regian Eersel “I’m ready to put him out” - Alexis Nicolas gunning for a decisive finish to reclaim lightweight kickboxing belt from Regian Eersel
“I’m ready to put him out” - Alexis Nicolas gunning for a decisive finish to reclaim lightweight kickboxing belt from Regian Eersel
1d
Alexander Volkov brushes off Jailton Almeida matchup talk, urges UFC needs to bring "more interesting" offer Alexander Volkov brushes off Jailton Almeida matchup talk, urges UFC needs to bring "more interesting" offer
Alexander Volkov brushes off Jailton Almeida matchup talk, urges UFC needs to bring "more interesting" offer
1d
“I want to get the recognition I deserve” - Lyndon Knowles ready to introduce himself to the world at ONE Fight Night 30 “I want to get the recognition I deserve” - Lyndon Knowles ready to introduce himself to the world at ONE Fight Night 30
“I want to get the recognition I deserve” - Lyndon Knowles ready to introduce himself to the world at ONE Fight Night 30
Lyndon Knowles loving every bit of Muay Thai in four-ounce mitts: "You can throw shots you can't throw in big gloves" Lyndon Knowles loving every bit of Muay Thai in four-ounce mitts: "You can throw shots you can't throw in big gloves"
Lyndon Knowles loving every bit of Muay Thai in four-ounce mitts: "You can throw shots you can't throw in big gloves"
1d
“I feel ready to go” - Lyndon Knowles says he already acclimated to Thailand ahead of title match vs. Roman Kryklia “I feel ready to go” - Lyndon Knowles says he already acclimated to Thailand ahead of title match vs. Roman Kryklia
“I feel ready to go” - Lyndon Knowles says he already acclimated to Thailand ahead of title match vs. Roman Kryklia
1d