Issue 212

December 2024

Some fighters win awards. Alex Pereira turns them into props for his next intimidation highlight. After getting enough fan votes to bag the Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Award for Fighter of the Year, Pereira struck a pose that only he could pull off. 

“I’m very happy to be receiving this trophy - it’s very important to me,” he said during his acceptance speech. “I dedicate this trophy to my entire team, especially Glover Teixeira. I have so much respect for that guy. He has taught me, is teaching me so much, and I’m growing as a fighter and as a person. I’m really happy to have won this trophy, you know, this means a lot to me. I also want to remember when I arrived in the UFC, three years ago, many people criticized me, saying I wouldn’t get anywhere. But I worked hard, dedicated myself, learned a lot, and many things happened—many things that you all know, many good things. And today, being here and receiving this trophy is very special. When someone tells you that you can’t do something, don’t listen to them. Never give up on your dreams.”

And the final word? You guessed it. Chama.

As for the post-winning trophy pose? With that bowstring pull, Pereira didn’t just flex; he fired off a reminder that, in his world, even victory laps double as target practice for his next accomplishment.

December 14, 2024

World MMA Awards, Las Vegas, NV