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“I See a Lot of People Changing” – Alex Pereira Reveals What Changed After He Returned to the Pataxo Tribe as a UFC Champion

Published 01/29/2023, 9:25 AM EST

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Alex Pereira, the reigning middleweight champion, is set to make a triumphant return to the octagon at UFC 287. The UFC has just announced a highly anticipated rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, who will face off in the main card bout. With a history of fierce competition and explosive exchanges, this fourth fight could be one of the biggest in UFC history. In a recent interview with the UFC, ‘Poatan’ expressed his confidence in his abilities and spoke about his humble beginnings, acknowledging that it’s crucial for him to keep his feet on the ground as he rises to the top. Pereira famously declared that he always knew he’d be a champion one day, and now it seems that the stage is set for him to prove it once and for all.

Alex Pereira not letting the success get to the head

Alex Pereira is the epitome of a staunch champion who stays level-headed and keeps a clear head, always striving for greatness but never letting it get the best of him. He’s a shining example of what it means to be a champion both in and out of the octagon. Speaking of what inspires him to do so, he referred to his visit to the Pataxo tribe and told the UFC, “The energy of these people, their humility, that’s something I can’t even describe,”

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“It’s good to be surrounded by these people. We know how things go when you get famous. I see a lot of people changing, and that’s really important to me – to remain the same person I am.”

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Having said that, we have a nail-biting event coming up. The Pereira vs. Adesanya rematch is an event you won’t want to miss. This bout has all the makings of a knock-down, drag-out battle; so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

Pereira saw the belt coming from miles

Alex Pereira has blazed a trail to the top of the UFC like a real powerhouse, rising through the ranks with a string of impressive victories. He predicted his own success, and today, he stands tall as the champion. Pereira recently spoke with the UFC and reflected upon his life so far as a champion. He revealed that, when bidding farewell to Glover Teixeira‘s wife, who was the final person he saw before leaving for New York for UFC 281, ‘Poatan’ assured her, “This is the last time I set foot in this gym without being a champion.

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But Alex Pereira didn’t get there by just wishing for it. He had a clear strategy for his bout against Israel Adesanya. With their history in the octagon, the Brazilian knew exactly what it would take to come out on top. Pereira stated, “I already knew my opponent and had a specific game plan. I was doing great in the sessions as well. During fight week, the staredowns, we could see (Adesanya) wasn’t very confident, unlike me.”

He further added, “It felt as if the show had been done for me, you know? I was dressed nicely, and (UFC) allowed me to have my face painted (during weigh-ins) representing the indigenous people from Brazil. The show was basically for me. I just needed the cherry on top, which was the fight and that win.”

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Nevertheless, with all the heights of success, ‘Poatan’ is savoring he feels it is crucial for him to not lose his character.

Watch this story: “He Been Working With Glover & GSP” – UFC Fans React as Alex Pereira Fails to Beat Joe Rogan’s Hardest Kick Record

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Written by:

Mayur Soni

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One take at a time

Mayur Soni is a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. His interest in the UFC heightened when he first saw his favorite fighter Conor McGregor knockout Jose Aldo in mere 13 seconds, in 2015. He thus got hooked on the sport.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana