WATCH: Alex Pereira tears up and shells a hug while cutting a child’s hair with cancer

Recent visit to a cancer treatment facility saw a new version of Alex 'Poatan' Pereira.

WATCH: Alex Pereira tears up and shells a hug while cutting a child’s hair with cancer

Alex Pereira breaks down during emotional moments (Source: Instagram)

Alex Pereira recently retained his light-heavyweight gold with a second-round TKO at UFC 303. The middleweight and light-heavyweight UFC and GLORY champ has had an unprecedented rise in recent history. After his second defense, enthusiasts are clamoring even more to see him get a third title. It turns out, though, that ‘Poatan’ already has it. He is a people’s champ.

Recently, in collaboration with the non-profit ‘Challenge,’ Pereira visited Melbourne Children’s Hospital in the land down under. The UFC champ met up with a few kids, with one of them stating he used to be a Muay Thai practitioner, but he cannot practice anymore, given his state. At his request, Pereira agreed to shave his head even. During the ordeal, the Brazilian broke down in tears, thinking of his own sons.

I have my two sons…I thank God. it's hard man…It's hard, man.
Alex Pereira via his Official YT Channel
YouTube video

The translator said that the boy (ex-Muay Thai practitioner) consoled him, saying he knew he’d be able to make it in life just like ‘Poatan’ did. The 37-year-old thus broke down, needing a hug. This was when Alex Pereira took a trip out to Sydney’s west for a high-altitude pre-camp workout at Air Locker Training’s Rouse Hill gym. Before his title fight and yet another touted move to heavyweight, he even went viral sparring with Tai Tuivasa.

FS Video

Pereira and Tuivasa engaged in some lighthearted antics, such as Pereira prank-cutting Tuivasa’s hair. Despite Pereira’s refusal to take part in Tuivasa’s signature “shoey” tradition, his coach, Plinio Cruz, stepped in. The fighter’s interactions in Sydney provide an insight into his grounded origins and his humble sense of fatherhood. As such, this isn’t the first time Pereira has done something like this.

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Alex Pereira, a hard hitter in the octagon and people’s champ outside it

Why is a Light Heavyweight out of Brazil living in Connecticut such a big draw at home shows when there are so many other well-rounded options? How is he already a top bill for non-domestic streamers as well as domestic ones at ESPN platforms? Concurrently, how has he already been part of two out of the five biggest live gates?

Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) is popular even outside the scope of fighting. Sure, even boxing top crops think he’d transition well. However, his popularity is immeasurable; former UFC fighter Laureano Staripoli even faced heat tattooing Pereira’s face in his calf!

UFC champion Alex Pereira visits cancer patients on Australia visit
UFC champion Alex Pereira visits cancer patients on Australia visit (Source: australianmma.com.au/X)

Pereira’s formidable striking power is always on display, as is his philanthropy. ‘Poatan’ donated around $120,000 in flood relief for his hometown of Sao Bernardo do Campo recently. His softer side toward Glover Teixeira is also very apparent. Despite the humdrum nature of his visit, his interactions with the kids at Melbourne Children’s Hospital were further proof.

Alex Pereira happily posed for photos with fans, even agreeing to shave the head of a cancer patient. Then, with a tattoo gun in his hand, he proceeded to do one on a young fan. He wanted to create a lasting memory despite his lack of tattooing skills. Growing up in the favelas, Alex Pereira is aware of the trials of life; hence, his simplicity, despite being a global superstar, is what makes him so famous these days.

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