Hours after Alex Pereira’s title win, NFL superstar Joe Burrow pays ultimate tribute to ‘Poatan’ against Houston Texans
NFL star Joe Burrow pays tribute to Alex Pereira by striking the legendary bow stance hours after Pereira won the UFC 295 title match.

Joe Burrows pays tribute to UFC champion Alex Pereira (via Imago/Instagram)
During a game against the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took a minute to honor newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The surprising tribute came less than 24 hours after Pereira’s stunning victory. Pereira TKO’d Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 295 at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
The Brazilian fighter’s triumph had such an effect that it attracted the attention of NFL standout Joe Burrow. Burrow connected with Trent Irwin for a 32-yard touchdown throw during the Bengals’ game against the Texans. Burrow’s celebration was remarkable, as he copied Pereira’s characteristic taunt, creating an interesting connection between two totally different sports.
Alex Pereira’s performance at UFC 295 was nothing short of spectacular. He joined a rare group of UFC fighters who captured belts in two weight classes. Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Georges St-Pierre, Amanda Nunes, Jon Jones, and Henry Cejudo are among the legends on this list. The significance of Pereira’s accomplishment reached beyond the MMA world, prompting an unforeseen recognition from Joe Burrow.
Joe Burrow’s gesture to Alex Pereira shows players’ frequently encountered passion and respect for greatness in their own fields. This creates a feeling of unity among the professional sports world athletes.
Joe Burrow’s interest in UFC transcends above fandom
The link between Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) extends beyond being just a fan. If Burrows’s football career hadn’t worked out, his next objective was to become the UFC heavyweight champion.

An excerpt from an article detailing Burrow’s journey from Athens to Columbus, LSU, and ultimately Cincinnati unveiled the news. Faced with frustration, Burrow allegedly contemplated abandoning football to pursue a fresh challenge in mixed martial arts. His interest in the UFC was not casual; it was a serious consideration of becoming a champion.
Burrow’s interest in the UFC was clear in his study on Columbus mixed martial arts facilities. The quarterback, known for his tenacity on the field, studied UFC competitors like Daniel Cormier and Francis Ngannou.
Burrow, confident of his abilities, told pals that he could see himself as a UFC heavyweight champion with hard work. Burrow’s UFC dreams were unfulfilled as he pursued a great football career. The story sheds light on the quarterback’s diverse interests and relentless self-confidence.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: Fight world in awe after Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka’s ‘Best stare down in homosapien history’ at UFC 295
- Myles Garrett reveals real reason for picking Joe Burrow over Lamar Jackson as the NFL’s current best QB