Alexsandro Pereira, born July 7, 1987, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. He competes in the light heavyweight division in UFC, where he is the champion, and is also a former UFC Middleweight Champion. Pereira had a successful career in kickboxing, winning titles such as the Glory middleweight and light heavyweight championships. He is also the first and only fighter to hold two weight class titles simultaneously in Glory.
After his victory against Jiri Prochazka, Pereira defended his title against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024. Moreover, the Brazilian is set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on October 5, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Alex Pereira Early Kickboxing Career
Alex Pereira began his kickboxing training in 2009. Pereira grew up in a favela and left middle school at 12 years old to work in a tire shop. His coworkers influenced him, and he began drinking, which eventually led to alcoholism. To overcome his addiction, he started training in kickboxing in 2009. He made his professional kickboxing debut at Jungle Fight 37 on 31st March 2012 against Clei Silva. Pereira won the fight via a unanimous decision.
Also Read: Alex Pereira Next Fight
Alex Pereira Kickboxing Record
Alex Pereira holds a professional kickboxing record of 33 wins and 7 losses, out of which 21 victories came via a knockout (33-7-0). Pereira won the Glory 14: Zagreb Middleweight Contender Tournament in 2014 and became the Glory Middleweight Champion by defeating Simon Marcus at Glory 46: China. He also claimed the Glory Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Donegi Abena at Glory 68, making him the first double champion in Glory history.
He later defended both titles but was stripped of his Middleweight title. Pereira's achievements include victories over notable fighters like Israel Adesanya. He made history by simultaneously holding two belts, a feat never before accomplished in GLORY.
Alex Pereira’s Record against Israel Adesanya
Alex Pereira has a record of 3 wins and 1 loss against Israel Adesanya (3-1). Alex Pereira has fought Israel Adesanya twice in kickboxing matches and once in MMA. In their first encounter, which took place in 2016, Pereira won the fight via a unanimous decision.
In their second kickboxing outing in 2017, Pereira won a decisive victory against Adesanya as he knocked him out in the 3rd round with a vicious left hook. The two clashed once again 5 years after their last fight, but this time in the UFC and with the Middleweight title on the line. Adesanya could not come out on top yet again and lost to Pereira via knockout in the final round.
In their fourth outing, Adesanya defeated Pereira for the first time via a KO at UFC 287 to reclaim the UFC Middleweight title.
FAQs On When did Alex Pereira Start Kickboxing?
A. Alex Pereira has lost twice in MMA. He lost his debut MMA match against Quemuel Ottoni and once to his greatest rival, Israel Adesanya.
A. Pereira expressed that a weight cut for the light-heavyweight (205 lbs) division is more natural to him than cutting weight for the middleweight division (185 lbs). This led him to switch his weight class.
A. Plinio Cruz is the coach of Alex Pereira. Pereira is also often accompanied by the former light heavyweight champion, Glover Teixeira, in his fights.
