Alex Pereira has completely turned his life around since joining the UFC, earning astronomical paydays that most fighters could only ever dream of.
The 37-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most ferocious operators on the planet, with the majority of his victories arriving inside the distance.
Not only is he a pulverizing puncher but the Brazilian has equally proven to be an elite technician, utilizing his versatile skillset to become a two-division UFC champion.
However, MMA fans who are familiar with his story will know that Alex Pereira has overcome countless adversities to get to this point.
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Alex Pereira reveals money struggles that meant he couldn’t buy diapers for his children
Before entering the world of combat sports at the age of 21, ‘Poatan’ was compelled to drop out of school in a bid to support his family.
Shortly after becoming a bricklayer’s assistant, though, Pereira’s health took a hit as he began to develop an addiction to alcohol, struggling to escape the drinking culture he had swiftly been submerged by.
But eventually, he decided it was time to turn his life around, making an unusually late start to kickboxing before wreaking havoc in the octagon.
It was during his kickboxing career, of course, when he first encountered MMA legend Israel Adesanya, beating his rival twice in the ring before their compelling trilogy in the cage.
And sure enough, it was Pereira’s victory over ‘The Last Stylebender’ back in 2022 that catapulted him on a path towards super stardom.
Reflecting on his remarkable story while sitting in a Ferrari, Pereira wrote on X: “I remember when my sons were on their last pair of diapers and I didn’t have money to buy new ones.”
Will Alex Pereira fight Magomed Ankalaev or Jon Jones next?
Following his destructive fourth-round knockout over Khalil Rountree Jr, Pereira is still yet to announce his next opponent.
But while there has been no official announcement, the formidable striker will almost certainly be colliding with number one-ranked light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev on a card next year.
And yet, while Ankalaev is deserving of his opportunity, Pereira has also teased a potential legacy-defining clash with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
But still, until that day arrives, the light heavyweight king will no doubt continue to secure his family’s future.