Time and again, Brazil’s MMA heroes prove that true champions are forged not just in the gym, but in the community. As the UFC prepares to return home for UFC Rio this weekend alongside Charles Oliveira, Alex Pereira’s impact beyond the Octagon is stealing headlines. Earlier this month, ‘Poatan’ etched his name in history at UFC 320, knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in a breathtaking 80 seconds to reclaim his light heavyweight crown. Yet Pereira is far from finished.

Once the T-Mobile Arena showdown concluded, Alex Pereira shifted his gaze to an even bigger stage: a “champion vs. champion” fight against former UFC heavyweight titleholder Jon Jones at the UFC White House event, scheduled on the eve of President Donald Trump’s birthday. “I want a superfight,” Pereira later reiterated. “It would be at the White House against Jon Jones. That’s a superfight.” ‘Poatan’ declared his intention to add another laurel to his already glittering resume. But even as he chases gold and glory, his next moves remain guided by a vision far greater than any championship belt.

Alex Pereira speaks from the heart about his new initiative to uplift 600 kids

This week, Alex Pereira returned to São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo — the very cradle of his fighting journey. Earlier this year, ‘Poatan’ unveiled his vision: the ‘Poatan Institute’. The project aims to uplift nearly three million people from local communities, providing underprivileged children with the tools to rewrite their own stories. Just days after reclaiming his UFC title, Alex Pereira returned to his roots for the grand opening of a facility that promises to change lives, a moment captured on his official YouTube channel.

Calling it a “special day,” the champion spoke from the heart, reflecting on his journey from hardship to hope: “For me, it’s something special. When I was 7 or 8 years old, I always liked fighting. But we had more access to capoeira. My brother and I used to come to the capoeira classes because we couldn’t afford them, so we came just to watch. But then we were alone there, learning by ourselves.” Pereira’s rise was far from easy. Once a victim of adversity, he dropped out of middle school to work as a bricklayer’s assistant and later took a job at a tire repair shop.

Along the way, he struggled with self-destruction and alcoholism. Fortunately, kickboxing became his lifeline, guiding him from the edge of despair to international stardom. “With everything that happened in my life, and the conditions I have today, I came here and saw the building. I bought this building. I renovated this building — it was an old one. And today, I’m very happy to be here, experiencing all this and knowing that I can change the lives of these kids.”

Determined to spare the next generation the struggles he faced, Alex Pereira focused his first efforts on impacting 600 children. He personally visited the project, walking through the halls that now hum with energy and promise. The journey wasn’t without obstacles. Earlier, unknown vandals damaged the building walls over the summer, prompting ‘Poatan’ to share his frustration on social media. However, after months of relentless work, the project now stands complete, a beacon of opportunity, and the children are already attending the institute, beginning their own journey.

‘Poatan’ sets an example for kids to follow

Beyond the bright lights of the Octagon, poverty, crime, and social inequality still cast long shadows. From these challenging corners, fighters like Alex Pereira have emerged, proving that greatness can rise from adversity. Their stories convey more than titles and triumphs; they are testaments to resilience and determination. The Brazilian’s journey is the embodiment of a comeback. What makes a story unforgettable is when the hero first falls before rising — and that is precisely Pereira’s path.

He conquered his personal demons, then dominated the kickboxing ring, becoming a two-division champion. As his kickboxing career reached its twilight, he transitioned to MMA, building a storied career that cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Now, with his latest initiative, Alex Pereira has turned his focus outward, giving back to the community through the Poatan Institute. The institute does more than teach kids; it opens doors and “creates opportunities” for children in the neighborhood, shaping futures that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Speaking about Alex Pereira’s influence, one of the Poatan Institute coaches, Antonio Rodrigo, said: “Poatan is a global example. If he goes to Korea today, or to Tokyo, he’ll be stopped at the airport — a child will ask for a picture. He’s an example parents should encourage their kids to follow. He’s a man who changed his life through sports.”

As Pereira continues to make waves both inside and outside the Octagon, the question remains: has the Brazilian cemented his place among MMA’s all-time greats? Share your thoughts and weigh in on his legacy below.