Ali Akbar Rosady
Alex Pereira, the formidable Brazilian striker known as "Poatan," has unequivocally declared his intent to achieve an unprecedented third Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) belt, treating this ambition as the final, defining mission of his illustrious combat sports career. Speaking to fans during a Q&A session in Serbia, held prior to the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC Belgrade, Pereira conveyed a resolute determination to secure the UFC heavyweight championship by 2027, expressing confidence that if granted another opportunity, he would not falter.
The declaration follows a recent setback for Pereira, who previously held titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. In June, he challenged for the interim heavyweight title at the fictional "UFC White House" event, ultimately succumbing to a knockout loss against Ciryl Gane in the co-main event. This defeat marked a pivotal moment in Pereira’s pursuit of becoming the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion, a feat that would solidify his legacy in mixed martial arts history.
"I’m satisfied with my career, but I still have one mission left," Pereira stated, according to a transcript provided by Fight 4 Yours. "It didn’t work out this time at the White House, and that’s winning my third title. I’m going after that third belt. When I focus on something, I always achieve it. And next time, I won’t let it slip away." This unwavering focus underscores the significance of this particular championship aspiration for the 36-year-old fighter.
Pereira’s journey through the UFC has been marked by a rapid ascent and a unique trajectory across multiple weight classes. He burst onto the scene in the middleweight division, leveraging his elite kickboxing background, which included multiple GLORY Kickboxing championships. His storied rivalry with Israel Adesanya culminated in him capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship in November 2022. After losing the title in a rematch with Adesanya in April 2023, Pereira made a strategic move to light heavyweight, a transition many analysts viewed as a natural progression given his substantial frame. He quickly adapted, securing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Jiri Prochazka in November 2023, becoming only the ninth fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight divisions. His subsequent decision to challenge for an interim heavyweight title highlighted his ambitious drive to continually push the boundaries of his capabilities and etched his name further into the discussions of the sport’s greatest multi-division competitors.
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Despite the recent loss to Gane, Pereira is already setting his sights on a return to the octagon, targeting November for his comeback. While he has not yet resumed hard training following the rigorous encounter in Washington, D.C., he acknowledged that "there’s still some time until November." The Brazilian star has previously expressed a strong desire to compete on the UFC’s annual card at Madison Square Garden in New York, a venue renowned for hosting some of the organization’s most iconic events. A return at MSG would provide a high-profile platform for Pereira to reassert his dominance and begin his renewed charge toward the heavyweight championship.
When questioned about a specific opponent for his next bout, Pereira maintained an open stance. "I’m focused, but I don’t have a specific opponent in mind," he affirmed. "Like I said, whoever they put in front of me, I’ll fight." This willingness to face any challenger is characteristic of Pereira’s approach to his career, reflecting a confidence in his skills and a singular focus on the ultimate prize. Potential opponents in the stacked heavyweight division could include rising contenders or established veterans, all of whom would present significant challenges on his path back to title contention. The division is currently headlined by Jon Jones as the undisputed champion, with Tom Aspinall holding the interim title, adding layers of complexity to the championship picture Pereira aims to penetrate.
The fight against Ciryl Gane also saw Pereira address lingering concerns regarding the officiating by referee Herb Dean. Pereira had openly criticized Dean for allegedly missing illegal strikes during the contest. While he stopped short of labeling the outcome a "robbery," he did not shy away from expressing his view on the referee’s performance. "But there were mistakes made," Pereira commented. "Everybody knows the rules, everybody knows how it works. The referee was there and he should have handled it differently. Maybe that would’ve changed the fight? Maybe I would’ve won? I don’t know. But the fight definitely would’ve been different." The nature of the alleged illegal strikes, though not specified in detail, often refers to fouls such as blows to the back of the head, accidental eye pokes, or groin strikes, which can significantly alter the momentum and outcome of a fight if not addressed appropriately by the referee. The incident highlights the critical role of officiating in high-stakes bouts and the potential impact it can have on a fighter’s trajectory.
Pereira’s professional mixed martial arts record currently stands at 9 wins and 3 losses. Notably, all three of his UFC losses have occurred in championship bouts across three distinct weight divisions—middleweight, light heavyweight, and now the interim heavyweight division. This unique pattern of only losing in title contests underscores his consistent ability to reach the highest echelons of the sport, even as it reflects the formidable challenges presented at that level.
When reflecting on his ability to rebound from defeat, a trait crucial for any elite athlete, Pereira offered insights into his philosophical approach. "Of course, nobody wants to lose," he stated. "I didn’t want to lose that fight. It was a very important fight. It’s happened to me before, in kickboxing. It’s something I never want to get used to, to losing, being defeated, but I know it’s part of the sport. And when you accept that it’s part of it, that it can happen, you’re able to come back stronger." This perspective is deeply rooted in his extensive kickboxing career, where he faced numerous defeats and triumphs, honing his mental resilience. His professional kickboxing record of 33 wins and 7 losses, with 21 knockouts, provided a crucible for developing this hardened mentality.
Pereira further elaborated on the psychological impact of loss, drawing a contrast between his own experience and that of others. "That’s what happens with me. It happens to a lot of people who have never lost before, when they lose a really important fight, they get frustrated, fall into depression, and can’t handle that pain. But I think I’ve already accepted that. I don’t want to get used to losing, but I’ve accepted that it’s part of the journey, and that allows you to come back stronger." This candid admission reveals a profound self-awareness and maturity, suggesting that his past experiences have equipped him with a unique emotional fortitude, enabling him to process setbacks not as failures but as integral components of his ongoing development as a fighter.
The pursuit of a third distinct UFC title, particularly at heavyweight, presents a monumental challenge. The physical demands of the division, inhabited by some of the most powerful athletes in combat sports, are immense. Pereira, who has consistently demonstrated formidable striking power and an ability to absorb significant damage, would need to navigate a gauntlet of elite contenders to secure another shot at gold. If he were to achieve this, he would not only join the ranks of multi-divisional champions like Randy Couture, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, and Conor McGregor, but he would also establish an entirely new benchmark by becoming the first athlete to hold three distinct UFC championship belts. His target year of 2027 suggests a long-term strategic vision, acknowledging the time and effort required to conquer the sport’s heaviest weight class.
As Alex Pereira embarks on this next chapter, his commitment to an unprecedented third UFC title remains the driving force. His scheduled return in November, potentially at Madison Square Garden, will be a crucial step in this ambitious journey. With his unwavering focus and proven resilience, "Poatan" aims to etch his name into the annals of UFC history, determined that the next opportunity for championship glory will not slip away.
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