Renato Moicano fighter and podcaster described his colleague Alex “Poatan” Pereira as “Ayrton Senna do MMA” – but perhaps the most accurate comparison in terms of achievements and international fame was with Pelé.
Poatan won the Russian Magomed Ankalaev, former champion of the half-heavy category, in just 80 seconds. When we regain the belt, he became the first Brazilian to win twice in the same category and also to have titles in two different UFC divisions. He had already made history in 2023 by winning the half-heavy title against Jiri Prochazka after being champion among the midfielders.
Despite having fewer belt defenses and UFC victories than Anderson Silva, Poatan’s feat is comparable to that of legends such as José Aldo and Amanda Nunes – this last even greater in terms of domain in two categories and number of defenses.
The victory was flavorful: the fight against Ankalaev was a rematch. The first time they faced each other, Poatan had physical problems and was not well prepared. When asked if the triumph was a revenge, he quoted his Madruga from the Chaves series: “Revenge is never full, kills the soul and poison. It is not revenge. I was prepared.”
Poatan is today one of the biggest names in the UFC. The organization, valued at $ 14 billion, treats it as weight active – and it broke the bubble of hardcore fans. With 7.3 million followers on social networks, it is only behind, among the Brazilians, by Charles “by Bronx” Oliveira (8.5 million). In the world, other names like Jon Jones (9.4 million) and Ilia Topria (11.2 million) lead the list.
Born in ABC Paulista, Poatan worked as a borrower and nightclub security before he professionalized in the fights. Contrary to what is often said, it already competed while facing alcoholism – an incidental was Brazilian champion during this period. The change of trajectory happened later, from a public provocation made by Israel Adesanya, when both had already faced each other at Glory and Adesanya was UFC champion.
Reserved, with stoic posture and few words, Poatan usually honor the Pataxó people with each entrance to the octagon. He rises to the sound of grave – with heavy guitars and indigenous war corners – and presents himself with authentic body paintings and cocares.
On the internet, also legendary Max Cavalera, founder of Sepultura, revealed that his son is a fan of MMA and that he himself began to admire Poatan. In honor of the fighter, his band’s next album will be called Flame.
Poatan helped popularize this expression – “Flame!” – That became a war of war on social networks and airports. His history of overcoming, his peripheral and indigenous roots, and his silent body language have transformed him into a symbol of strength and resistance.
Their achievements justify the highlight: In addition to two UFC belts, Poatan was champion in two divisions at Glory, the main muay thai event in the world. Since arriving at UFC, it has faced only champions or challengers to the title. In 2023, he defended his belt three times – a rare mark among the organization’s fighters.
Unlike athletes such as Ayrton Senna, who competed for billionaire teams, Poatan trains at a small gym in Danbury, Connecticut, led by another former Brazilian champion, Glover Teixeira.
But the moment when Poatan builds his trajectory is another. Senna was a national idol during redemocratization. Poatan emerges in times of political polarization. The UFC – specially in the US – has become a stronghold of Donald Trump supporters. In Brazil, part of the fans and the fighters is linked to pockets. This contributes to the disinterest of the mainstream press to keep up with their struggles.
On the left, few have the disposition (or freedom) to recognize the Poatan phenomenon. One of those who broke this block was rapper Mano Brown, a declared fan of combat sports – and one of the most influential public intellectuals in the country.
It is possible that Poatan is present at UFC Rio, scheduled for next Saturday. The main fight will be Charles “by Bronx” Oliveira – who was once interviewed by Brown in his podcast.
Have you ever thought? Mano Brown interviewing Alex “Poatan” Pereira, the former indigenous ABC gabler who became a world champion? This is the kind of meeting capable of piercing the ideological bubble of Brazil.
