Alex Pereira prepares for UFC comeback through tribal rituals and spiritual healing

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 12, 2025, 01:53 IST

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After his loss to Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira went back to his tribe in Brazil—not for show, but to find balance. He’s leaning into the same spiritual rituals that have always grounded him. With a rematch likely this summer, Pereira’s not just reloading—he’s reconnecting with what makes him dangerous.

Alex Pereira prepares for UFC comeback through tribal rituals and spiritual healing

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Fresh off a tough loss at UFC 313, Alex Pereira has returned to the heart of Brazil—not just to recover, but to realign. The former two-division UFC champion is taking a break from the spotlight and immersing himself once again in the spiritual and cultural practices of his Pataxó heritage. For Pereira, this isn’t about superstition or spectacle. It’s about centering himself, recharging his energy, and preparing mentally and spiritually for what could be the biggest test of his career: a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev.

How Alex Pereira’s indigenous heritage keeps him grounded in the UFC

While fans debate whether Alex Pereira’s spiritual rituals hold any real power in the Octagon, the fighter himself has no doubts. Introduced to his ancestral customs by his kickboxing coach Beloqua Vera, Pereira has long been open about how his tribe’s traditions keep him focused and grounded. After a string of stunning knockout victories—including title-winning and title-defending performances—his connection to his roots became part of his identity in and out of the cage.

Even after being overwhelmed by Ankalaev’s unrelenting pressure in their last meeting, Pereira hasn’t changed course. Instead, he leaned deeper into his cultural roots. “All respect to him, but no, man—I’m a God-fearing man. I have God in my heart. He’s just saying these things. I’ve never participated in any of that. I’m just a regular person,�?Pereira said in an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, brushing off claims from Jiri Prochazka that he channels something beyond physical power.
Prochazka, who’s been knocked out by Pereira twice, has a different perspective. “Everybody can feel it, what’s around him, what’s going on. I don’t think Alex can fight without it,�?he said on The MMA Hour—a testament to the mystique surrounding Pereira’s presence in the cage.
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Now back with his tribe, Pereira is focusing on spiritual renewal as talks heat up for a summer rematch with Ankalaev. His past knockout streak speaks for itself, and fans know he’s capable of bouncing back. But this time, Pereira isn’t just preparing to fight—he’s preparing to rise. Whether the world believes in his rituals or not, Alex Pereira believes in them. And that might be all he needs.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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