Throughout mixed martial arts history, there have been more than a few prominent families that have gone on to take the sport by storm. Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan”, is part of a laundry list of such family names, including the reign of domination the Gracie family had in the early days of the UFC, as well as the rise of the Diaz brothers and their memorable ability to both mercilessly trash talk their foes and take an absurd level of punishment.
As the combat sports world prepares to welcome 2025, a new MMA dynasty is seemingly on the far distant horizon, one with Pereira and his family firmly at the helm.
Alex Pereira Dominates MMA Landscape in 2024
In 2024, Alex Pereira recorded a staggering three consecutive title defenses after winning said strap back in November last year at UFC 295. In a span of six months, the hard-hitting Brazilian had taken out several top 205-lb contenders in Jamahal Hill, Jiří Procházka, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
This streak of dominant championship victories catapulted Alex Pereira into mainstream superstardom, allowing him to claim the prominent ESPN Fighter of the Year award.
Alex Pereira’s Son Calls Shot at Future Light Heavyweight Supremacy.
Heading into 2025, Alex Pereira is seemingly on track to becoming a global icon in the realm of sports. However, given that he is 37 years old, his time at the top of the world is quickly approaching its twilight.
Fortunately, fight fans will not have to say goodbye forever to the Pereira name once “Poatan” eventually retires, because, in a recent training video posted by the UFC, his oldest son, Alessandro, made it entirely clear that he is a future champion.
In the video, Alessandro can be seen sparring his brother in a short but intense session before it is ultimately called off by former 205-lb titleholder Glover Teixeira. Alessandro then looks into the camera and clearly states, “I’m gonna fight in UFC 400, and I’m gonna be a UFC champ, chama.”
In mixed martial arts, it isn’t uncommon for children of famous fighters to take up competition as well; previous UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir’s daughter, Bella Mir, has put on the four ounce gloves herself and is a perfect 3-0 since making her debut back in 2020.
There is also the case with AJ McKee, who is the son of former competitor Antonio McKee, who notably became his son’s head trainer, leading him to become a featherweight champion in Bellator in the process.
Future Looks Bright For Young Pereira, Still Work To Do
When the time finally arrives that Alessandro takes his first steps in the cage, the world of mixed martial arts will be waiting with bated breath to see if the young man can live up to the storied reputation of his dad, Alex Pereira.
Although the boy will have one of the greatest fighters of all time helping him in the training room and in action, Alessandro will have a long and hard road to travel if he indeed wants to capture his own piece of UFC gold. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem, though, because as seen in recent training videos with his dad and brother, he appears to be entirely locked in to make his dream a reality.
He’s so committed, in fact, that he apparently trains during Christmas.
