Reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira recently made headlines—not for a fight, but for a playful yet pointed interaction with a fan who bet against him. Known as one of the most ferocious and skilled fighters in the UFC, Pereira is a force to be reckoned with, both in the octagon and as one of the world’s most formidable kickboxers.
The Brazilian star has had his share of intense rivalries, blending brutal competition with moments of mutual respect. But in a recent live stream, Pereira showed his another side when a fan revealed they had backed one of his former rivals over him.
Alex Pereira’s Payback: A fan learns the hard way
The moment unfolded during a live stream where the host casually mentioned betting nearly $40,000 on Israel Adesanya to defeat Pereira at UFC 281 in 2022. For context, Adesanya is one of Alex Pereira’s most notable rivals, with the two sharing a storied history both in kickboxing and MMA. When the host’s confession was translated to Pereira, the Brazilian champion didn’t hold back—well, not entirely.
In true Pereira fashion, he lunged forward with a mock-serious expression, sending the room into laughter. But the real kicker came next—literally. The UFC star delivered one of his signature leg kicks to the host, a move that has left countless opponents limping. Despite the playful nature of the strike, the fan felt the sting, letting out an exclamation and a limp as Pereira cheekily shouted his trademark phrase, “Chama!”
This lighthearted moment highlights Alex Pereira’s unique personality. While he’s often seen as a stoic, ice-cold competitor, moments like these reveal his sense of humor and ability to connect with fans. It’s this duality—his intimidating presence in the ring and his relatable, fun-loving side outside of it—that has made him a fan favorite, even among those who don’t speak his language.
The incident also serves as a subtle reminder of Pereira’s dominance. Adesanya, a two-time middleweight champion, fell to Pereira’s devastating leg kicks and striking prowess at UFC 281, a fight that cemented Pereira’s place among the UFC elite. While the live stream moment was all in good fun, it underscored the respect—and fear—Pereira commands in the fight world.
For fans, it was a rare glimpse into the champion’s playful side. For Alex Pereira, it was another chance to prove that betting against him, even in jest, might just leave you with a sore leg and a story to tell.