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UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is preparing to face former foe Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303, vying to end the rivalry in a perfect 2-0 record in his favor. The event is scheduled for June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will headline the 2024 International Fight Week.
While many are aware of Pereira's extraordinary path to UFC champion status, what remains lesser-known is the story marked by personal hardships and a tainted relationship with substance abuse. Hailing from a Brazilian favela, Pereira's journey involved leaving middle school at the age of 12 to labor in a tire shop. Unfortunately, the influence of his colleagues pulled him into a perilous struggle with alcoholism.
When did Alex Pereira convert to Islam?
To conquer his self-destructive path, Alex Pereira made a pivotal decision to embrace Islam, which strictly forbids alcohol consumption. During an interview on the Werdum Nao Para podcast last year, 'Poatan' candidly revealed that he became the Brazilian kickboxing champion even while grappling with alcohol-related issues.
However, there came a turning point where he could no longer sustain this lifestyle. Pereira underwent a profound transformation and converted to Islam in 2015 after a deep exploration of its teachings.
A video surfaced online of him reciting the Shahada (ritual to accept Islam) with the guidance of Sheikh Taqi Al-Din, the director of the Federation of Muslim Associations in Brazil.
Check out the video below:
Which Brazilian indigenous tribe is Alex Pereira associated with?
Alex Pereira takes immense pride in his roots. 'Poatan' is a devoted member of the Pataxó indigenous clan, hailing from the state of Bahia in Brazil. The Pataxó, an indigenous tribe with a population exceeding 12,000 individuals, have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of obstacles like forced displacement and cultural assimilation.
They have not only preserved their distinct identity but have also revitalized their native language, known as Patxoh, alongside speaking Portuguese.
Pereira has consistently expressed his deep pride in his Pataxó heritage and has carried this indigenous legacy with honor throughout his fighting career. In preparation for his championship victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in November 2022, Pereira made a striking entrance to the official weigh-ins, adorned in traditional indigenous attire.
