Can Alex Pereira speak English? Exploring the Brazilian's relationship with the language
Alex Pereira is among the most popular MMA fighters in the world today. He reigns as the current UFC light heavyweight champion, having defended his title with two emphatic knockouts in short-notice bouts to save the promotion in its time of need. Naturally, as a Brazilian, Pereira speaks Portuguese.
However, as is often the case with many Brazilians, he started off with a complete lack of English. Many of his countrymen never bother learning English at all, resorting to translators for interviews. Pereira, however, managed to connect to the MMA fandom without saying so much as a word.
But after capturing 205-pound gold at UFC 295, he called out his old rival Israel Adesanya, punctuating his post-fight interview with an English sentence. So, can he actually speak the language?
Can Alex Pereira speak English?
The short answer is that Alex Pereira can speak some English, though he is not yet fluent. However, 'Poatan' has spoken about his desire to learn the language, even singling out former foe Sean Strickland, with whom he has struck up a friendship, as a potential teacher.
"I know I don't. I don't speak English. For me, it's very difficult."
Check out Alex Pereira's English below:
However, without much formal learning, he will find difficulty, especially as Strickland is unlikely to devote any serious time to it. As things currently stand, Pereira still requires the aid of translators.
Even when conversing with Strickland, he struggles to understand what the ex-middleweight champion is saying before his coach, Plinio Cruz, translates for him.
Alex Pereira's history with the English language
Not only did 'Poatan' call Israel Adesanya out with an English sentence, he was once coached through several sentences by Daniel Cormier during a sitdown with the former double champion. However, until he is capable of speaking fluent English, the world will wait.
Check out Daniel Cormier trying to teach 'Poatan' English (16:00):
With UFC 307 fast-approaching, Pereira has the opportunity to wow the MMA fandom by speaking, even if partially, in English at the pre-fight press conference. Or perhaps if he successfully defends his title against Khalil Rountree, he could once again offer fans a glimpse in his post-fight interview.