Alex Pereira is one of the fastest fighters to earn a title after 8 MMA matches. Second only to Brock Lesnar with 4 matches. Pereira has a reputation that precedes him. His destructive punching power has left many tasting the mat in most of his fights. Besides his prowess inside the cage, the Brazilian fighter is one who proudly embraces where he comes from and his tribe. Pereira is not the one to shy away and embraces his indigenous roots as he appears in his indigenous headgear at UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins.
Alex Pereira belongs to the Pataxó tribe hailing from Brazil. The Pataxó are an indigenous people in Bahia, Brazil. The native tribe has a population of around 12,000 people. They once spoke the Pataxó language, but now speak Portuguese and a revitalized version of Pataxó language called Patxohã. The tribe had their forests converted to private farms by settlers and were expelled. They integrated into the dominant society, losing their indigenous identity and settling in cities. While others moved near coastal areas and formed their Indigenous tribes.
Pereira’s famous bow and arrow walkout ritual have a native connection as well. In an interview, Pereira mentioned “I made a ritual with the bow and arrow. Then a sequence with the indigenous music and that’s how it started.” This signature entrance became his method to pay homage to his culture and family, as it made him look more intimidating and more confident.
After his win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 Pereira took the championship title to his Native Tribe. This showed that even at the heights of his success Alex was forever grateful to his roots.
Alex Pereira makes his native people proud as he brings his world championship title to his Native tribe
Alex Pereira has always been proud of his roots and constantly embraces them to draw confidence. Poatan was seen adorning his indigenous headgear at the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins. Alex later went on to defeat Israel Adesanya in what would be their third overall fight. Whether it is due to Alex’s sheer skill and destructive prowess or blessings from his ancestors Alex is the Middleweight champion in UFC. He also has multiple tattoos on his body representing his tribe.
Pereira is grateful and indebted to his tribe and to show his love and respect, Pereira bought his Championship belt for his native people. Alex went to visit his Pataxó clan in his home country of Brazil. The Pataxó are an indigenous people in Bahia, Brazil. They once spoke the Pataxó language, but now speak Portuguese and a revitalized version of Pataxó language called Patxohã.
Did Alex Pereira earn his nickname from his tribe?
Alex is a true indigenous individual of his tribe and his nickname Poatan suggests the same. In local vernacular Poatan means ‘ stone hands ‘. Pereira always remains true to his nickname and his people with his performance in the Octagon.
With the same support and love from his tribe, Pereira has crafted an excellent combat sports career. He became a Glory kickboxing Hall of Famer and the UFC middleweight champion. Very few fighters have had such an accomplishment competing in two sports.
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