Fresh off a tough loss at UFC 313 , Alex Pereira has returned to the heart of Brazil—not just to recover, but to realign. The former two-division UFC champion is taking a break from the spotlight and immersing himself once again in the spiritual and cultural practices of his Pataxó heritage . For Pereira, this isn’t about superstition or spectacle. It’s about centering himself, recharging his energy, and preparing mentally and spiritually for what could be the biggest test of his career: a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev .
How Alex Pereira’s indigenous heritage keeps him grounded in the UFC
While fans debate whether Alex Pereira’s spiritual rituals hold any real power in the Octagon, the fighter himself has no doubts. Introduced to his ancestral customs by his kickboxing coach Beloqua Vera, Pereira has long been open about how his tribe’s traditions keep him focused and grounded. After a string of stunning knockout victories—including title-winning and title-defending performances—his connection to his roots became part of his identity in and out of the cage.
Even after being overwhelmed by Ankalaev’s unrelenting pressure in their last meeting, Pereira hasn’t changed course. Instead, he leaned deeper into his cultural roots. “All respect to him, but no, man—I’m a God-fearing man. I have God in my heart. He’s just saying these things. I’ve never participated in any of that. I’m just a regular person,” Pereira said in an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, brushing off claims from Jiri Prochazka that he channels something beyond physical power.
Prochazka, who’s been knocked out by Pereira twice, has a different perspective. “Everybody can feel it, what’s around him, what’s going on. I don’t think Alex can fight without it,” he said on The MMA Hour—a testament to the mystique surrounding Pereira’s presence in the cage.
Also Read: WWE’s Julius Creed slams Dan Hellie through a table at UFC 314 weigh-in with Daniel Cormier
Now back with his tribe, Pereira is focusing on spiritual renewal as talks heat up for a summer rematch with Ankalaev. His past knockout streak speaks for itself, and fans know he’s capable of bouncing back. But this time, Pereira isn’t just preparing to fight—he’s preparing to rise. Whether the world believes in his rituals or not, Alex Pereira believes in them. And that might be all he needs.
How Alex Pereira’s indigenous heritage keeps him grounded in the UFC
While fans debate whether Alex Pereira’s spiritual rituals hold any real power in the Octagon, the fighter himself has no doubts. Introduced to his ancestral customs by his kickboxing coach Beloqua Vera, Pereira has long been open about how his tribe’s traditions keep him focused and grounded. After a string of stunning knockout victories—including title-winning and title-defending performances—his connection to his roots became part of his identity in and out of the cage.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DITQNHNSkEQ/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DITQNHNSkEQ/
Even after being overwhelmed by Ankalaev’s unrelenting pressure in their last meeting, Pereira hasn’t changed course. Instead, he leaned deeper into his cultural roots. “All respect to him, but no, man—I’m a God-fearing man. I have God in my heart. He’s just saying these things. I’ve never participated in any of that. I’m just a regular person,” Pereira said in an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, brushing off claims from Jiri Prochazka that he channels something beyond physical power.
Prochazka, who’s been knocked out by Pereira twice, has a different perspective. “Everybody can feel it, what’s around him, what’s going on. I don’t think Alex can fight without it,” he said on The MMA Hour—a testament to the mystique surrounding Pereira’s presence in the cage.
Also Read: WWE’s Julius Creed slams Dan Hellie through a table at UFC 314 weigh-in with Daniel Cormier
Now back with his tribe, Pereira is focusing on spiritual renewal as talks heat up for a summer rematch with Ankalaev. His past knockout streak speaks for itself, and fans know he’s capable of bouncing back. But this time, Pereira isn’t just preparing to fight—he’s preparing to rise. Whether the world believes in his rituals or not, Alex Pereira believes in them. And that might be all he needs.
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