Why does Alex Pereira cut his hair ahead of UFC fights? Here's 'Poatan's' chilling explanation
Alex Pereira is undeniably among the most popular personalities in the UFC today and is widely known for his incredible striking skills. Apart from his fighting talents and professional resume, the Brazilian has also become a fan-favorite MMA star thanks to his stoic yet charismatic personality.
Pereira is set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ahead of his highly anticipated title defense, the Brazilian has shaved his head clean as he usually does before his fights. Given that 'Poatan' routinely follows this practice, many have wondered why he does so.
Why does Alex Pereira cut his hair ahead of UFC fights?
Ahead of Alex Pereira's next fight at UFC 307, the Brazilian has shaved his head as usual and is gearing up to face Khalil Rountree Jr. in a light heavyweight title fight. Given that many have questioned why he goes bald before fights, he explained why before his rematch against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 in June.
In an episode of the UFC 303 Embedded vlog series (#4), Pereira detailed how he aims to look meaner to his opponents in the days leading up to the fight and how going bald helps him look better on camera. He said:
"I'm going to have the photo shoot tomorrow. That's why I'm having my hair cut today. With this hair, I look like a good guy. It doesn't work. It's good now. They shaved my head. Now they applied a face mask, to make my skin look better, and so I can look good on TV. I need to be ready for war. Chama."
Catch Alex Pereira's explanation below (7:50):
Pereira is going into his fight against Rountree Jr. this weekend off the back of a decisive second-round knockout win over Prochazka at UFC 303. The reigning light heavyweight champion has a professional record of 11-2, with nine of those wins coming via knockout.
Meanwhile, Rountree Jr. last beat Anthony Smith via third-round TKO at UFC Vegas 83 and is on a five-fight win streak. He has a professional record of 13-5-1, with nine wins coming by way of knockout.