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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 29: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts to his victory in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight against Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 29: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts to his victory in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight against Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Beware of Alex Periera is what all fighters should keep in mind. Why? It is because of his massive left hook that can make any veteran fall asleep. The Brazilian is one of the most devastating strikers in UFC with a decorated kickboxing career and a rapid rise at UFC. No one can withstand the full impact of his blows. This is not just a supposed rumor on the air because most top-notch fighters like Tom Aspinall believe the same.
‘Poatan’s’ left hook might be the greatest in both MMA and kickboxing. This is not just admitted by the fans but it was also admitted by ‘Honey Badger’ when he dissected how the Brazilian fights inside the octagon.
Tom Aspinall complimented Alex Pereira and warns Khalil Rountree
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Championship Rounds just posted a clip of a video where Aspinall broke down Alex Periera‘s fighting style and explained why he is dangerous. The heavyweight might not have fought the light heavyweight champion but he knows that he is a formidable opponent. While explaining how ‘Poatan’ fights he said that the champ can distract his opponents very well while he prepares his secret weapon: the left hook.
Aspinall said, “Predominantly stands with his head Always quiet straight up in the air… Jabs the body. All this stuff what this is doing is this is taking the mind away from the massive left hook he has got.”
He further explained the swift left hook and said , “ Because in my opinion, he has got one of the best if not the best-left hooks in MMA period. So, what he will do is he will hurt this (calf) he will hurt … But he will keep the range all the time he will never step into rapid range”
So how does Pereira lead up to the hook? It is an immense technical maneuver after all. Well, read below for an answer to those exact thoughts.
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When Alex Pereira steps into the octagon, it’s like watching a sniper with a masterful strategy—every strike is calculated, every movement a setup for his ultimate weapon. The Brazilian begins his assault with precision shots to the calf muscle and solar plexus, softening up his opponents and drawing their attention away. While they’re caught up defending against these calculated attacks, Pereira prepares to unleash his signature—a left hook that has sent many of the toughest fighters crumbling.
As a simultaneous two-division Glory Kickboxing Champion, Pereira has the technical knowledge to turn that left hook into a thing of sheer devastation. The mechanics are fascinating: understanding his reach advantage, Pereira baits his opponents, knowing that to even think of landing a jab, they have to step in close to challenge his height and length.
But it’s not without risk—like Russian roulette, Pereira exposes himself, deliberately keeping his chest open, his shoulders relaxed. It’s a calculated maneuver. By creating this false vulnerability, Pereira lures his opponents in, making them believe they have an opening. And just as they take the bait, he snaps the trap shut. His left hook travels through a shorter range with blistering speed, catching opponents completely off guard. It’s a punch that’s often there before they even realize the danger, turning the fight instantly in favor of the light heavyweight star.
However, as Teddy Atlas noted, even a weapon as perfected as Pereira’s left hook has room for refinement. It’s a dangerous thought—taking something already deadly and making it even more lethal. But that’s the essence of combat evolution, and Pereira’s relentless pursuit of perfection makes him all the more terrifying in the cage.
Atlas explained how Alex Pereira could improve his left hook landing more
After ‘Poatan’ knocked out Jiri Prochazka at their UFC 303, Atlas was interviewed by ESPN on what he would like Poatan to work on more. He said that Pereira’s jab needed a little work- even though the left hook was a one-man army, the jab could also become more lethal. “It’s strong, it’s straight, it’s hard, you know. It’s solid. He’s got his base, he’s got his feet, and bang! It’s like a phone pole,” he said.
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Atlas gave one piece of advice to the Brazilian so that he could make his left hooks more deadly- Using the jab to set up the opponent for the final left hook. “And the only thing [I would advise him to do] is maybe use the jab to hide the hook a little bit, so the guys aren’t looking for the hook as much. But he disguises the hook anyway because he does it off the counter so sneakily, and just so well,” he added.
It seems like Pereira has already taken advice because he did use a head kick against BJP in one of their UFC 303 rematchs. Right now before UFC 307, he is also practicing his wrestling so it looks like he is going to be a well-rounded opponent for Khalil Rountree.
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Tom Aspinall's praise for Alex Pereira—Is Pereira the most underrated fighter in the UFC right now?