Why Alex Pereira’s Las Vegas rematch could define his entire UFC legacy

Alex Pereira had everything required to become the new face of the UFC — incredible skills inside the cage, massive charisma outside of it, and all while barely speaking a word of English. With just a simple Chama, the Brazilian won over fans across the sport. But after being named Fighter of the Year in 2024, Pereira lost his belt to Magomed Ankalaev in March. Tonight, at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, he gets his shot at redemption against the same man (ESPN+ and ESPN’s streaming app).

Poatan, Pereira’s nickname, had history with Israel Adesanya, who at the time was the dominant middleweight champion. Before both transitioned to MMA, they had faced off twice in kickboxing — Pereira won both bouts. When he joined the UFC, the Brazilian racked up three straight victories, including one over Sean Strickland, earning him a title shot. Adesanya was the heavy favorite, but Alex shocked the world by knocking him out in the fifth round.

The rematch came six months later. Izzy reclaimed his crown by returning the favor — a knockout in the second round. Pereira decided to move up to light heavyweight to avoid the brutal weight cuts, and it didn’t take long for him to capture a second divisional title. He defeated former champion Jan Blachowicz by split decision, then defended the belt with a second-round TKO over Jiri Prochazka. On short notice, he also demolished the previously unbeaten Jamahal Hill in the first round.

Again on short notice, he faced Prochazka in a rematch and knocked him out in the second round. Khalil Rountree Jr. was next — and fell just like the others. Pereira seemed untouchable and was named Fighter of the Year in 2024. He looked poised to become the UFC’s next global superstar, but Magomed Ankalaev ruined the party. Few saw it coming: the Dagestani fighter won by unanimous decision in March, in a fight where Pereira looked unrecognizable. He didn’t attack, didn’t press forward — just moved sideways as Ankalaev controlled the pace. Now it’s time for Pereira to reclaim his crown and restore his status as the favorite.

Pereira’s tough childhood

Poatan’s beginnings were far from easy. Born in São Paulo, he had a tough childhood and adolescence. At just 12 years old, he left school to work in a tire and auto repair shop, putting in 12-hour days. He was the youngest worker there, surrounded by older colleagues who drank alcohol on the job — mainly chilled cachaça, Brazil’s sugarcane-based rum. It made their long workdays more bearable.

Pereira began drinking at a very young age, following their lead, and it quickly became an addiction. “When I was about 16, I was drinking around a liter of rum a day at work — usually mixed with a few beers. I was an alcoholic, a full-blown alcoholic. That was just the lifestyle of working in that place. I didn’t know any different,” he told Fabrício Werdum in an interview. Discovering kickboxing changed his life — it gave him purpose and helped him leave those vices behind for good.

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