Alex Pereira Reveals How “Brother” Ilia Topuria Stepped Up For Him at UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference

Former two-divisional champion Alex Pereira praises Ilia Topuria for standing up to him against Josh Hokit's insults at the UFC Freedom 250 presser.

Alex Pereira Reveals How “Brother” Ilia Topuria Stepped Up For Him at UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference

Alex Pereira commends Ilia Topuria for standing up for him (via UFC. Bloody Elbow)

Alex Pereira has built a reputation as one of the most intimidating fighters in MMA thanks to his devastating knockout power and world-class striking ability. Yet outside the Octagon, the former two-division UFC champion is widely known for his calm and composed personality.

That composure was tested during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference when #5-ranked heavyweight contender, Josh Hokit, repeatedly targeted ‘Poatan’ with verbal shots, prompting Ilia Topuria to step in and defend him.

Tensions escalated quickly on stage as Hokit continued directing insults at Pereira, who appeared unfazed despite struggling to fully understand the exchange because of the language barrier. The reigning 155lbs kingpin eventually intervened on Pereira’s behalf before hurling an object toward Hokit, sparking chaos at the event. Security rushed in immediately and escorted Hokit out of the venue as the confrontation intensified.

Pereira also rose from his seat while Topuria continued trading insults with Hokit during his removal from the stage. UFC CEO Dana White also stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating further, separating Pereira and Topuria from the altercation.

Once tensions cooled, the two champions shared a respectful handshake on stage. Reflecting on the incident afterward, Pereira praised Topuria for standing up for him “like a brother” during the heated press conference.

I don’t understand English and I think Topuria took offense to that, and Topuria saw that and he stepped up as a brother. Ilia threw the bottle or bottle cap at Hokit’s face when he saw that he was going too far. To me, Hokit is a clueless guy, he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t get along with his family. He’s a problematic guy, he’s a guy that nobody likes. I’m sure he’s a troubled guy.

Alex Pereira via MMA Junkie

Pereira and Topuria reportedly developed a friendship after properly meeting during their White House flight together. The two knockout artists traveled for official meetings with US President Donald Trump and promotional photoshoots for Freedom 250 before spending additional time together afterward. Both superstars later sparred together at Cruz MMA in New York alongside their respective coaches and teams.

Topuria has also addressed the incident and vowed to fight Hokit following the heated UFC Freedom 250 confrontation. The Spaniard reportedly became furious after the heavyweight contender directed disrespectful comments toward Pereira and his family during the press conference. The lightweight champion later stated he wanted to confront Hokit personally after the situation escalated publicly.

For the unversed, Pereira and Topuria are both chasing history heading into UFC Freedom 250. Topuria aims to strengthen his undisputed reign against interim champion Justin Gaethje during his first title defense.

Meanwhile, Pereira prepares to pursue a third UFC divisional championship against Ciryl Gane. It remains to be seen whether more brotherhood between ‘Poatan’ and ‘El Matador’ will be seen in the coming weeks.

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New footage shows Alex Pereira reflecting on what it means for him to be a UFC star

Alex Pereira endured a difficult upbringing in Brazil before becoming one of the UFC’s biggest superstars. Pereira reportedly left school early and worked at a local tire shop during his teenage years. He also struggled with alcoholism before eventually discovering kickboxing and combat sports through local gyms. Pereira’s rise from factory jobs to UFC stardom remains one of MMA’s most remarkable stories.

Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira (via Bleacher Report)

Pereira first gained worldwide recognition through his dominant run under the GLORY Kickboxing banner. The Brazilian star captured championships before transitioning into MMA and joining the UFC. He later became a two-division UFC champion during a rapid rise. His recent comments appeared in newly released UFC footage before Pereira’s iconic title fight against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April 2024.

Today, people consider me a UFC star. I am definitely very pleased to hear that. All this success I owe to my team. Starting with Glover, a great leader, a former UFC champion. We learn from him because he is experienced.

Alex Pereira via UFC

Alex Pereira has maintained a close friendship with former UFC champion Glover Teixeira throughout his MMA career. Teixeira helped ‘Poatan’ transition from kickboxing into mixed martial arts and the UFC. Pereira also trains and remains affiliated with Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Connecticut. Their partnership remains one of the UFC’s strongest mentor relationships as the Brazilian superstar pursues more history.

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