During the summer, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira visited Vila Nova Borracharia in Sao Paulo, the tire shop where he once worked. Despite his rapid ascent in MMA, Pereira remains grounded, often visiting the shop to stay connected with his roots and the competitive spirit that drives him.
“It’s super important to me,” Pereira explained, emphasizing his attachment to his hometown and the tire shop owner. He believes that the competitive spirit he fostered there plays a crucial role in his MMA success.
Pereira has transitioned from competitive tire-changing contests to defending his UFC title, with his third defense this year set for Saturday against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. Pereira (11-2, nine finishes) set a record by winning UFC titles in two weight classes within just two years and five days. He initially captured the middleweight title in 2022 and then the light heavyweight title a year later at Madison Square Garden.
Pereira is on the brink of more history, aiming to become only the fourth fighter in UFC history to win four championship fights within a 12-month period. His notable victories include knocking out Jiri Prochazka in November, Jamahal Hill in April, and Prochazka again in June.
“It absolutely matters for me to be making history,” Pereira said, highlighting his desire to inspire others from similar backgrounds through his achievements.
Though Pereira won’t compete at Madison Square Garden this year, he values the venue highly. “Madison Square Garden is like fighting at home,” he noted, owing to the proximity of his training base in Bethel, Connecticut.
Despite Pereira’s preference for a different opponent, he’s ready to face Rountree (13-5, nine finishes), who has won five consecutive fights. Pereira initially found the choice surprising but now sees the bout as an exciting opportunity.
More potential milestones await, including a possible move to the heavyweight division to pursue an unprecedented third divisional crown in a major MMA organization. Pereira is also open to Dana White’s new boxing ventures, expressing a strong interest in becoming a champion in that arena as well.
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