Get ready to step into the electrifying world of MMA, where the epic rivalry between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya unfolds. Join us as we explore Pereira's incredible transformation from a heavy drinker to a role model, and discover how his story of perseverance and determination is an inspiration to us all, despite the outcome of his latest match.
Poatan' battled alcoholism and turned to fighting as a career, inspiring fans as his mentor shared his struggle with MMA Fighting.
Pereira's mentor spoke to MMAFighting, recalling the time he underestimated the fighter's strength after a punch to the stomach. Pereira is a true warrior.
He said, “I was pushing him hard, so I punched him right in the stomach, and he went down. I thought to myself, ‘f***, he’s weak. Am I wasting my time with him?’ He was back up seconds later, and I saw tears in his eyes.”
“I realized he wasn’t weak, he was a warrior. He was rotten inside due to the things he used, he was contaminated. It wasn’t easy to turn him into what he’s become.”
Fans on Reddit found Alex Pereira's battle with alcoholism inspirational, with one calling him a superhero, while others labeled alcohol as the villain.
Poatan is an indigenous superhero, I mean I get tears in my eyes when I think about him and what he’s overcome, he’s a role model for generations after him.
Great to hear stories like this. So difficult to get out of that life. Can be inspiration for others
Poatan has become one of my favorite fighters in the UFC
Getting f***ed up for 15 minutes in a cage has to be hella easier than a decade of hardcore alcoholism. Physical pain is easy, mental anguish is f***ing horrendous.
The ex-UFC champ had a tough childhood, leaving school at 12 to work as a mechanic. Unfortunately, he fell into alcoholism due to a taste for iced cachaca rum.