Alex Pereira has a terrifying presence inside the Octagon. With hands of stone, and the demeanor of a ‘Moai’ stone sculpture in the Eastern Islands of Chile, we rarely see the light heavyweight champ display any emotion, especially inside the Octagon. While we have seen Alex Pereira laugh and smile – something that truly touches the hearts of fans – have we ever seen him cry? Well, there was an instance that visibly brought ‘Poatan’ to tears. And a year later, those tears turned into immense joy. What are we talking about? Alex Pereira’s friend, of course, who battled cancer last year and has been cancer-free for three months according to an update by the light heavyweight champion.

Almost a year ago, Pereira ran into Ashton, a budding Muay Thai fighter from Australia who requested the champion to cut his hair before he went in for his treatment. After chopping Ashton’s hair, the champion was visibly in tears, overwhelmed at the thought of someone like Ashton, who reminded him of his sons, having to battle something as deadly as cancer. “I have my two sons. I thank God. It’s hard. It’s hard man.” But Ashton, who seemed to be in high spirits, probably at having his hair cut by one of his idols, comforted ‘Poatan’ and embraced him in a heartfelt moment.

‘Poatan’ met his old friend again on the sidelines of the UFC 312 and was ecstatic that the young man defeated cancer. Alex Pereira’s humility and affectionate behavior were on display when he shared the news that Ashton has finally defeated cancer and is on the path of full recovery, “Everyone, I’m here with Ashton. I don’t know if you remember, but about a year ago or so, I came to Australia. If you don’t remember, I will show you the video of me cutting his hair.”

He further added, “It was at the Institute of Cancer here in Australia. It was something very emotional, very heavy for me. I cried, I got emotional. To see this guy recover—he told me that he was training Muay Thai but had to stop because of the cancer. And now, he fought against cancer, he beat cancer after a hard fight, and now, three months cancer-free. A big inspiration!”

Being a hard hitter inside the Octagon and a softie to his fans, Alex Pereira displays the stoicism and balance of a true warrior. Despite his fierce reputation, fans love Alex Pereira for his humility and grace outside of competition. If there’s anyone who knows how to overcome the odds in life, it’s Alex Pereira.

And speaking of hard-hitting, Pereira is prepping up to face Magomed Ankalaev next month. What’s more? A common opponent has come forward to give his take on the fight, let’s have a close look at it.

Jan Blachowicz gives his take on Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankaleav is all set to take place in the main event of UFC 313. Ankalaev is riding an eleven-fight winning streak, while Pereira is coming off of three title defenses, all knockouts. Interestingly, their former opponent Jan Blachowicz has come forward to give his own insight about the fight.

While having a conversation with the media, the former light-heavyweight champion asserted, “If Ankalaev fights like the last fight with Rakic, he’s going to lose the fight,” Blachowicz said. “He needs to do something more. He is a good fighter, but it’s not enough for Pereira in this kind of style. He needs to change.”

He further added, “He needs to be more – he has to believe in what he’s doing. I think he doesn’t believe it. He just wants to win the fight, but doesn’t take too many punches. He is very careful in what he’s doing, and I think this kind of way, fighting with Pereira, will not work.”

Blachowicz went toe-to-toe with both Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. He is the only man to not have been finished by Pereira in the UFC. He also fought to a draw against Ankalaev. Alex Pereira is the fan favorite in the clash but Ankalaev brings a new challenge to the Brazilian champion and may give him his toughest bout yet. Given that, what are your thoughts on the clash? Let us know in the comments down below.