Back in June 2024, ahead of his fight against Alex Pereira, Jiri Prochazka accused the light-heavyweight champion of using shamanic rituals to secure back-to-back victories. Prochazka claimed that ‘Poatan’ sought help from his tribal people to ensure he won his fights, stating, “But I think he doesn’t know how to fight without that because he uses these things every time.” Well, the conclusion of this statement was a second-round loss for Prochazka at the UFC 303. Months later, it appears that ‘The Czech Samurai’ might have some truth to his statement.

Ahead of his clash against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, Alex Pereira’s ‘Pataxó’ tribe has come forward to perform a ritual before his fight and extend their best wishes for his title defense. Taking to the social media handle, the head of the tribe said, “What’s up, everybody? Ubiranan Pataxó here! I’m with the Pataxó tribe—we just finished a string prayer for our warrior ‘Poatan,’ and they have a message. The fight is coming up, and we’re ready to watch. Chama or no chama, guys?”

With a population of 11,000 people, the Pataxó are an indigenous people in Bahia, Brazil. The entire tribe went through a state of turmoil in the last century. Not only was the indigenous population mainland converted to private farms but they were expelled from their land as well. So, how is Alex Pereira related to these people? The 205-pound champion in his confession emphasized that his first coach had indigenous roots and further admitted that his grandparents were indigenous.

“I want to make a name for myself and in the future use it to help the indigenous people… With that [UFC platform’s media advantage], I have the potential to really help the indigenous people,” said Alex Pereira in a conversation with ESPN. The Brazilian champ follows his tribe for a better cause and not for any black magic as ascertained by certain individuals.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Alex Pereira emphasized that while his opponents may use certain terms to describe him, the truth is that he has never practiced black magic and is a God-fearing man, “All respect to him, but no man, I’m a god-fearing man. I have God in my heart…he’s just saying these things, I’ve never participated in any of those things, I’m a regular person. If he really believed that, take a doll, tie my hands and feet, and then fight me, like that’s going to work?”

After the announcement, The leader of the group, along with other men, danced. As the video was shared on social media by MMA Fighting, fans couldn’t help but react to it.

Fans react as Pataxó tribe does rituals ahead of Alex Pereira’s clash against Magomed Ankalaev

“Everybody knows that he’s doing these rituals before the fight. Everybody can feel that, what’s around him and what’s going on,” said Jiri Prochazka about Alex Pereira ahead of his fight against UFC 303. In his second battle against the light-heavyweight champ, ‘The Czech Samurai’ ascertained that the ‘Poatan’ uses black magic to increase his power. As absurd as it may sound, to some fans it appears that his analogy was a bit true, “This is the energy jiri talked about.”

Magomed Ankalaev is fighting while fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the odds are already against him. According to a fan, this ritual might be the reason for the Dagestani’s defeat, “Bro ankalaev is so cooked.” Furthermore, another chimed in to tune in to the same music, “Yeah they did a ritual to make sure Alex win.”

With a career record of 12 victories and 2 defeats, including knockout wins over Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree Jr., Alex Pereira’s UFC run has been phenomenal. But can he replicate that success against Magomed Ankalaev? “Let’s see if it’s worked out or nat”

Moreover, a fan emphasized that the ancestors might be behind Alex Pereira tonight, “When the ancestors are behind you.” Last but not least, Magomed Ankalaev finally found some support, “black magic aint working on big ank.”

With the support of his tribesman, will Alex Pereira taste the victory or are we going to witness a new champion in the light-heavyweight division? State your thoughts in the comments below.