Alex “Poatan” Pereira has carved a fearsome reputation in the world of combat sports. Known for his devastating knockout power, which earned him the moniker “Stone Hand” in his native Tupi language, Pereira’s highlight reels are filled with opponents crumpling under his thunderous strikes. From his dominant reign as GLORY kickboxing champion to his explosive entry into the UFC, the Brazilian fighter has become synonymous with spectacular finishes.
But amidst the highlight-reel KOs and the aura of invincibility, a crucial question arises for fans and analysts alike: how many times has Alex Pereira actually been knocked out? It’s a question that cuts to the heart of his fighting style, his chin, and ultimately, his legacy.
Pereira’s journey from the tire shops of Sao Paulo to the pinnacle of combat sports is well-documented. As a young man working long hours, he battled alcoholism before finding discipline and focus in kickboxing. This transformation fueled an amateur kickboxing career where he amassed a stunning 25 wins, all by knockout, against only 3 decision losses – losses he even jokingly dismisses as his opponents merely “surviving.” This early dominance solidified his image as a knockout machine.
Image alt text: Alex Pereira, then GLORY Kickboxing champion, poses at weigh-ins, showcasing his muscular physique and intense focus.
His transition to professional kickboxing under the GLORY banner only amplified this perception. Pereira stormed through the middleweight division, capturing the world title in 2017 and later making history as a dual-division champion. His highlight reel knockouts became legendary, further cementing the “Stone Hand” mystique.
However, digging deeper into Pereira’s fight record reveals a surprising fact. Despite his aggressive, knockout-centric style and participation in numerous high-level kickboxing and MMA bouts, Alex Pereira has never been definitively knocked out.
This doesn’t mean Pereira is invincible. He has faced defeats, but these losses have come primarily by decision or technical knockout (TKO) due to accumulated damage or doctor stoppages, not from being rendered unconscious by a single blow.
In MMA, under the UFC banner, Pereira continued to face top-tier competition. While he experienced a setback against Israel Adesanya, losing his UFC middleweight title, this fight also did not end in a knockout. It was a TKO due to strikes, highlighting Adesanya’s tactical approach and ground and pound, rather than a definitive one-punch KO.
Image alt text: Alex Pereira raises his UFC championship belt in victory, celebrating his achievement in mixed martial arts.
The narrative around Pereira often emphasizes his knockout power to such an extent that it might lead some to assume he is also susceptible to being knocked out. However, his record demonstrates remarkable resilience and a solid chin. While he actively seeks the knockout, he has also shown an ability to withstand punishment and remain in the fight.
In conclusion, to date, Alex Pereira has not been knocked out in his professional combat sports career. While the “Stone Hand” nickname accurately reflects his offensive capabilities, it’s equally important to recognize his durability and the fact that he has never suffered a knockout loss. This adds another layer to the Alex Pereira story – he is not just a knockout artist, but also a remarkably tough and resilient fighter. His career continues to unfold, and while the future may hold different outcomes, his current record speaks volumes about his ability to absorb punishment and stay in the fight, even against the highest level of competition.
