Introduction
Alex Pereira is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxing world champion known for his devastating knockout power, technical striking, and rapid rise in the UFC. A former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion, Pereira transitioned to MMA and quickly made his mark, becoming the UFC Middleweight Champion and later moving up to light heavyweight. His rivalry with Israel Adesanya and his explosive fighting style have made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch.
Early Life and Education
Alexsandro “Alex” Pereira was born on July 7, 1987, in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in a poor neighborhood and had a tough upbringing, working various jobs from a young age. At 12 years old, he dropped out of school to help support his family, taking up work as a bricklayer and at a tire shop.
As a teenager, Pereira struggled with alcohol addiction, a challenge he later overcame by dedicating himself to combat sports. In 2009, he discovered kickboxing, and it changed the trajectory of his life. Training relentlessly, he quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most feared strikers in the world.
Alex Pereira’s Profile Table
| Full Name | Alexsandro Pereira |
|---|---|
| Age | 37 |
| Birthday | July 7, 1987 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Hometown | São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil |
| Occupation | Mixed Martial Artist (MMA Fighter), Former Kickboxer |
| Known For | UFC Champion, Glory Kickboxing Champion |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3-7 million (2024) |
Career and Achievements
Kickboxing Dominance
Alex Pereira made a name for himself in Glory Kickboxing, where he became the first fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two weight divisions (Middleweight & Light Heavyweight). He defeated some of the best strikers in the world, including Israel Adesanya in 2016 and 2017, knocking him out in their second fight.
His kickboxing achievements include:
- Glory Middleweight Champion (2017-2021)
- Glory Light Heavyweight Champion (2021)
- Knockout victories over elite fighters like Israel Adesanya, Simon Marcus, and Jason Wilnis
Transition to MMA and UFC Stardom
In 2020, Pereira made the bold transition from kickboxing to MMA full-time, signing with the UFC in 2021. He debuted with a knockout victory over Andreas Michailidis and quickly climbed the middleweight rankings.
His biggest moment came at UFC 281 (November 12, 2022) when he defeated Israel Adesanya via TKO in the fifth round, capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship in only his fourth UFC fight. This cemented his legacy as one of the fastest-rising stars in MMA history.
After losing the middleweight belt in a rematch against Adesanya at UFC 287 (April 2023), Pereira moved up to light heavyweight. He won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 295 (November 2023) by defeating Jiřà Procházka, proving his power translates across weight classes.
Career Highlights:
- First fighter to hold both Glory Middleweight & Light Heavyweight titles simultaneously
- UFC Middleweight Champion (2022-2023)
- UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (2023-present)
- Two knockout wins over Israel Adesanya (kickboxing & MMA)
- One of the most feared strikers in MMA history
Challenges and Setbacks
While Pereira has had a meteoric rise, he has also faced challenges:
- Loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 (April 2023) – He was knocked out in their highly anticipated rematch.
- Late transition to MMA – Unlike most elite fighters, Pereira transitioned to MMA in his 30s, giving him less time to master grappling.
- Tough weight cuts at Middleweight – One of the reasons for his move to Light Heavyweight was the extreme weight cut to 185 lbs.
Age and Zodiac Sign
Born on July 7, 1987, Alex Pereira is a Cancer. Cancers are known for their resilience, intuition, and deep emotional strength—traits that define Pereira’s ability to overcome adversity and dominate in combat sports.
Family and Background
Alex Pereira comes from a humble background in Brazil and has Indigenous ancestry, with roots tracing back to the Pataxó tribe. He has spoken openly about his struggles growing up and how he overcame his difficult upbringing and alcohol addiction through martial arts.
His younger brother, Aline Pereira, is also a professional kickboxer, showing that combat sports talent runs in the family.
Despite his success, Pereira remains deeply connected to his roots, often visiting Brazil and giving back to his community.
Alex Pereira’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Alex Pereira’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $7 million. His earnings come from:
- UFC fight purses and performance bonuses
- Sponsorship deals with brands like Adidas and Stake.com
- Kickboxing career earnings
- Coaching and investments
With his continued success in the UFC and growing popularity, his net worth is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Conclusion
Alex Pereira’s rise from a bricklayer in Brazil to a two-division UFC champion is a story of resilience, discipline, and raw power. His kickboxing dominance, rapid MMA success, and legendary battles with Israel Adesanya have made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. With his sights set on defending his Light Heavyweight Championship, the future looks bright for this knockout artist and future UFC Hall of Famer.
