WATCH: Alex Pereira has emotional breakdown after Glory Kickboxing Hall Of Fame induction days before MSG fight

Alex Pereira's journey from Glory Kickboxing Hall of Fame to UFC 295 main event at Madison Square Garden - aiming to make history as a double champion in two sports.

WATCH: Alex Pereira has emotional breakdown after Glory Kickboxing Hall Of Fame induction days before MSG fight

Alex Pereira emotional after Hall of Fame induction (Image via: X/Glory Kickboxing, YouTube/UFC)

Alex Pereira got good news days before his light heavyweight title fight at UFC 295. Pereira is the latest entry into the Glory Kickboxing Hall of Fame. Glory established their Hall of Fame in 2021 with one entry each year. Only Robin Van Roosmalen has become a double champion for Glory, but Pereira was and still is the first and only simultaneous double champion.

Pereira was already aware of his induction but was visibly emotional when he saw the official announcement on TV. Pereira was with Merle, his girlfriend, Lohan Vidal Silva, and mentor Glover Teixeira when the announcement was made. “Poatan” who is known for being without emotion and having a stone face, wiped tears from his eyes when the announcement was made. This is what Pereira said about his induction to the Hall of Fame on the 2nd episode of UFC 295 embedded.

“I am the third person to be nominated and I am honored to be part of the Glory Hall of Fame 2023. It’s a very special achievement for everyone dedicated to Kickboxing.”

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Pereira is one of the most famous fighters to compete in Glory Kickboxing. He holds two victories over Israel Adesanya in Glory, one via decision and one KO. Interestingly, they also had an intense rivalry in the middleweight division of the UFC.

Pereira became the UFC middleweight champion at UFC 281 in Madison Square Garden. However, Adesanya won the title back in the rematch at UFC 287.

Interestingly, Pereira’s upcoming main event fight at UFC 295 against Jiri Prochazka is also at Madison Square Garden. Pereira will be looking to become a two-division champion in the UFC at the event. If victorious against Prochazka, he would become the first fighter to become a double champion in two different sports.

Alex Pereira motivated to become two-division champion in the UFC after Glory Kickboxing Hall of Fame induction

Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira is now eager to win at UFC 295. This is after his induction into the 2023 Glory Kickboxing Hall of Fame. One of the reasons for Pereira’s induction was his status as the only simultaneous two-division champion for the promotion. Semmy Schilt and Joseph Valtellini were the inductees in 2021 and 2022.

Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira walking off after knocking out Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 – IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

In the second episode of UFC 295 embedded, this is what Pereira said about becoming the double champion at UFC 295

Just Like I did when I was champion in two weight classes there(GLORY). I was UFC champion, and now I'm good. Now we're in search of another belt on November 11th. I'm very confident I'll have another achievement for all of us.

At UFC 295, Pereira will be facing a formidable opponent in Jiri Prochazka who won the title at UFC 275 from Pereira’s mentor and friend, Glover Teixeira. However, he had to vacate the title due to injury and is making his comeback at UFC 295.

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