The Scariest Fighter in the World: Alex Pereira’s Journey to UFC 313
In the world of mixed martial arts, few names evoke as much awe and fear as Alex Pereira. Known for his terrifying power and calm demeanor, Pereira is a force to be reckoned with inside the cage. As he prepares for his upcoming fight at UFC 313, where he will defend his light heavyweight title against the formidable Russian star Magomed Ankalaev, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what this enigmatic fighter will bring to the octagon.
During his final training session at Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Connecticut, Pereira is a study in contrasts. He is calm and composed, even as his sparring partner attempts to pin him against the cage. For nearly a minute, Pereira remains still, his energy coiled and ready to explode. This is a hallmark of his fighting style—an eerie calmness that belies the violent power he can unleash in an instant.
As his coach, UFC legend Glover Teixeira, puts it, “Even a few minutes before a fight, Alex looks like he is going to the grocery store, not into a cagefight.” This ability to remain relaxed is a key component of Pereira’s success, allowing him to conserve energy and strike with devastating force when the moment is right.
When Pereira finally makes his move, it’s a sight to behold. With a sudden burst of energy, he escapes his opponent’s grasp and unleashes a flurry of punches that leave no doubt about his power. “Sometimes my power even scares me,” he admits. “I know my opponents choose to fight of their own free will. But they have families and loved ones, and I know I can hurt you.”
The Science Behind the Power
What makes Pereira’s punches so powerful? According to experts, the secret lies in his ability to relax. Dr. Peko Hosoi, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, explains that a punch is essentially a math problem: “It’s basic physics—you are transferring momentum from your body to your opponent’s head. The more mass you can activate, the stronger the punch.”
Dr. Stuart McGill, a longtime professor at Ontario’s University of Waterloo, has studied the science of punching power extensively. He notes that while footwork, timing, and technique are all critical, the ability to stay loose and relaxed is what sets the most powerful fighters apart. “The ability to stay loose and relaxed allows them to express the speed of their athleticism, which is counterintuitive to so many people,” McGill says.
McGill’s research has shown that fighters like Pereira are able to generate incredible power by positioning their feet and aligning their bodies to direct force effectively. This, combined with their ability to relax, allows them to deliver punches with frightening speed and accuracy.
Lessons from the Tire Shop
Pereira’s journey to becoming one of the most feared fighters in the UFC began in an unlikely place—a tire shop in Brazil. As a young boy, Pereira worked at the shop, learning to generate power in bursts as he jammed rims into tires or yanked them out. This experience, he says, was critical to his development as a fighter.
At the age of 18, Pereira had a pivotal moment that set him on the path to professional fighting. After a heated soccer game, he found himself in a fistfight with an older, bigger opponent. Despite being hit, Pereira remained calm and delivered a series of punches that knocked the man out cold. His friends, impressed by his composure and power, encouraged him to pursue fighting.
Since then, Pereira has honed his skills in boxing and kickboxing, amassing an impressive record in both sports before transitioning to MMA. His ability to relax and generate power has made him a formidable opponent in the octagon, and his upcoming fight against Ankalaev promises to be a thrilling showdown.
The Mystery of Punching Power
While technique and training are essential, there is an element of mystery to punching power that cannot be fully explained. As Pereira himself acknowledges, genetics play a role in his ability to deliver devastating blows. His father, a bricklayer, passed down strong, grizzled hands, and Pereira’s sister, Aline, is also a professional kickboxer with powerful strikes.
Ultimately, Pereira’s success in the UFC is a testament to his unique combination of technique, genetics, and the lessons he learned in the tire shop. As he prepares to defend his title at UFC 313, fans can expect to see the same calm, calculated approach that has made him one of the most feared fighters in the world.
With his ability to relax and unleash explosive power, Alex Pereira is a true force of nature in the octagon. As he continues to dominate the light heavyweight division, the mystery of his punching power remains a captivating topic for fans and analysts alike.
Originally Written by: Ryan Hockensmith
