The UFC’s light heavyweight champion is one of the most devastating leg kickers that we have ever seen in MMA.
Alex Pereira had already achieved a great career in kickboxing before he made the switch to MMA and debuted in the UFC in 2021.
Since then, there has been a lot of talk about his unique approach to throwing leg kicks which is both incredibly effective and hard to replicate.
Many of his opponents have felt what this is like to deal with first-hand and Israel Adesanya knows Pereira better than most.
The leg kicks of ‘Poatan’ wore down the former two-time middleweight champion before Pereira stopped Adesanya in the fifth round at UFC 281 to win the 185-pound title in just his fourth Octagon appearance.
Alex Pereira dishes out a leg kick after fan reveals that he put big money on Israel Adesanya at UFC 281
Alex Pereira has built a great connection with fight fans due to both sides of his personality.
On one hand, ‘Poatan’ is often stoic with an ice cold and calculated look that could send shivers down the spine of a polar bear.
It has also become clear during his time in the UFC that Pereira has a great sense of humor which has allowed him to become a fan favorite despite the fact that he doesn’t speak English.
In a recent clip from a live stream that the light heavyweight champion appeared on, the host told Pereira that he bet nearly $40,000 on Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in 2022.
After the statement was translated, Pereira immediately lunged forwards before sharing a laugh with the man that picked him to lose his first title fight.
The stream clip then cuts to ‘Poatan’ dishing out one of his patented leg kicks and as many of his opponents can tell you, despite the fact that it doesn’t look like he’s putting much power into the strike, it doesn’t change how much damage he can do with that shot.
As expected, the kick landing was followed by an exclamation, a limp and of course, a customary “chama”.
Alex Pereira’s leg kicks will be vital at UFC 313
In his fourth defense of the light heavyweight title, Alex Pereira will face Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 in Las Vegas on March 8.
The kicks of ‘Poatan’ are sure to be an integral aspect of the matchup for multiple reasons as we wait to see how the challenger approaches the fight.
Pereira is so good at timing his kicks and placing them without any tells that even if Ankalaev decides to wrestle in this fight, it might be difficult for him to try and catch them to get his opponent off balance.
If he intends on walking the champion down and constantly pressuring him instead, you can guarantee that Pereira will use them to constantly chip away at Ankalaev and slow him down like he has done to so many opponents.