(Video): Alex Pereira Sleeps Sparring Partner with Signature Left Hook Despite Barely Landing

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira puts sparring partner to sleep with half a punch during a training session.

(Video): Alex Pereira Sleeps Sparring Partner with Signature Left Hook Despite Barely Landing

Alex Pereira knocks out fan in training (via UFC, X)

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Training footage has become increasingly common as fighters share glimpses of their preparation behind the scenes. These clips often highlight technique, conditioning, and raw striking strength. Alex Pereira, known for his knockout power, recently showcased that during a sparring session. The moment once again reflected the force he brings even in controlled environments.

Pereira’s most recent UFC outing came at UFC 320, where he knocked out Magomed Ankalaev to regain the light heavyweight title he lost earlier at UFC 313. The fight was one of the rare occasions where he appeared to fight with visible urgency. He charged forward instantly and dropped Ankalaev early in the exchange. ‘Poatan’ then finished the bout with a series of rapid elbows and ground and pound.

The latest footage shows Pereira training at Teixeira MMA Fitness and Gym in Danbury, Connecticut, owned by longtime partner Glover Teixeira. During the session, he put out a sparring partner despite not visibly landing an immaculate shot. The brief exchange highlighted the precision and short-range power he generates. It also reflected the intensity typical of his training camps.

This is not the first time Pereira’s sessions have attracted attention for their physical toll. He previously left a partner bloodied during a separate sparring round, a moment that circulated widely online. For his first fight with Jiri Prochazka, he even trained in woodland areas to sharpen conditioning and focus. These unconventional methods have become a consistent part of his evolving preparation style.

Pereira’s knockout ability has earned him the nickname Poatan, meaning “hands of stones,” a label that mirrors his history of decisive finishes. His résumé includes knockouts over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr., each showcasing different facets of his striking. The power he refined through years of kickboxing has seamlessly translated to MMA competition.

Fighters such as Sean Strickland have faced scrutiny for using full power during sparring, sparking debates about training safety and control. These discussions often resurface when intense gym footage from elite strikers appears online. Naturally, Alex Pereira’s recent clip falls into that conversation due to the force behind his movements.

Alex Pereira does not hold back against a 6’7 heavyweight

Robelis Despaigne is an Olympic taekwondo medalist and former UFC heavyweight known for his striking-heavy style. He made an explosive debut at UFC 299 by knocking out Josh Parisian in just 18 seconds of the first round. Despite that start, his grappling weaknesses became evident in his next two fights. After suffering two straight losses, he was released from the UFC roster.

Alex Pereira spars Robelis Despaigne
Alex Pereira spars Robelis Despaigne (via Instagram)

Despaigne has remained active since his UFC departure, now competing in Karate Combat, where he is undefeated. He was recently seen training with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who is known for his knockout power. The session showed both fighters exchanging heavy punches without hesitation. Each landed clean shots, highlighting a high-level striking exchange between two powerful athletes.

In Karate Combat, Despaigne has recorded several lightning-fast knockouts that showcase his pure striking ability. He scored a four-second finish over Dominik Jedrzejczyk in his debut. He later added a 12-second knockout of Marcos Brigagão and a seven-second stoppage of Roggers Souza. All three wins came in under 15 seconds, reflecting his rare fight-ending power, which Pereira worked with.

The sparring session also reflected the level ‘Poatan’ brings when working with heavyweight partners. He is currently considering a move to the 265-pound division, targeting a potential future clash with Jon Jones. A successful transition would make him eligible for a three-division championship run. The footage reinforces the idea that Alex Pereira already operates comfortably against heavyweight-level power.

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