UFC champion Alex Pereira makes speech on overcoming crippling alcohol addiction to motivate kids to stay on the right path
UFC megastar Alex Pereira may be the closest thing to a real-life superhero we will ever see. When he is not knocking out fighters in the cage, the kickboxing sensation uses his free time to encourage kids to avoid drugs.
Pereira has been open about his past alcoholism, explaining in no uncertain terms that his addiction wasn't the typical run-of-the-mill cravings. He was heavily dependent on alcohol to get through the day, a habit he developed while working in a tire shop. 'Poatan' recalled drinking one liter per day back then.
Leaving those dark times behind, Pereira looks forward to teaching young kids the pitfalls of substance addiction and instilling the values of disciplined sportsmen.
In a recent vlog, Alex Pereira traveled to Vernon, Connecticut, to speak to a group of children about the dangers of drug addiction, the 37-year-old stated his desire to contribute toward the community:
"Going for a social action, for kids who are involved in drugs. Everyone knows my story with alcohol. I’m a guy who stopped everything. I think I can help the kids, saying something to them. It’s me, Glover. We’re going to do a training with the kids there. I think it’s going to be cool. Chama!"
He added:
"I think it’s very important, to do this in the video. Kids who have problem with drugs. From where I come from, I know how hard it is to deal with the situation for the families, so we are going to try to do something. Talk to the kids, show them the path, I can talk about the sport. The sport saved me from alcohol."
The fact that Pereira persevered through the evils of addiction, but still emerged not only sober but also with Glory Kickboxing and UFC prestige, speaks volumes about the character of the Brazilian.
Alex Pereira spent time with kids in a cancer hospital
Recently, Alex Pereira visited a cancer hospital in collaboration with a non-profit organization, 'Challenge', that helps children with cancer and their families. The Brazilian interacted with the children, lifting their spirits. The move prompted many fans to jump on the 'Poatan' bandwagon, if they had not already.
The organization posted photos from the champion's visit, and one of them was captioned with the tragic story of the disease taking away a child's dreams:
"We Have Moments of Joy and Sadness. This moment was very difficult for me. I visited the cancer hospital. This boy was training in Muay Thai and was unable to continue due to cancer."