Alex Pereira tribe: Which indigenous tribe does ‘Poatan’ belong to?

Alex Pereira is already a 2 division champion with only 8 fights in the UFC. ‘Poatan’ has a reputation that precedes him. His destructive punching power has left many tasting the mat in most of his fights. Besides his prowess inside the cage, the Brazilian fighter is one who proudly embraces where he comes from and his tribe. Pereira is not the one to shy away and embraces his Indigenous roots as he appears in his Indigenous headgear at UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins.

Alex Pereira belongs to the Pataxó tribe hailing from Brazil. The Pataxó are an indigenous people in Bahia, Brazil. The native tribe has a population of around 12,000 people. They once spoke the Pataxó language, but now speak Portuguese and a revitalized version of Pataxó language called Patxohã. The tribe had their forests converted to private farms by settlers and were expelled. They integrated into the dominant society, losing their indigenous identity and settling in cities. While others moved near coastal areas and formed their Indigenous tribes.

Pereira’s famous bow and arrow walkout ritual has a native connection as well. This signature entrance became his method to pay homage to his culture and family, as it made him look more intimidating and more confident.

I made a ritual with the bow and arrow. Then a sequence with the indigenous music and that’s how it started.

Alex Pereira via ESPN MMA

After his win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 Pereira took the championship title to his Native Tribe. This showed that even at the heights of his success Alex was forever grateful to his roots. Currently, Pereira is the light heavyweight champion of the world. His Indigenous identity and success in the UFC even resulted in Jiri Prochazka accusing him of using Shamans and their magic to bring him victory.

Alex Pereira makes his native people proud as he brings his world championship title to his Native tribe

Alex Pereira has always been proud of his roots and constantly embraces them to draw confidence. Poatan was seen adorning his Indigenous headgear at the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins. Alex later went on to defeat Israel Adesanya in what would be their third overall fight. He also has multiple tattoos on his body representing his tribe.

Pereira is grateful and indebted to his tribe and to show his love and respect, Pereira bought his Championship belt for his native people. Alex went to visit his Pataxó clan in his home country of Brazil. The Pataxó are an indigenous people in Bahia, Brazil. They once spoke the Pataxó language, but now speak Portuguese and a revitalized version of Pataxó language called Patxohã.

Did Alex Pereira earn his nickname from his tribe?

Alex is a true indigenous individual of his tribe and his nickname Poatan suggests the same. In local vernacular Poatan means ‘ stone hands ‘. Pereira always remains true to his nickname and his people with his performance in the Octagon.

With the same support and love from his tribe, Pereira has crafted an excellent combat sports career. He became a Glory kickboxing Hall of Famer and the UFC middleweight champion. Eventually, he also became the light heavyweight champion by defeating Jiri Prochazka for the vacant title.

In case you missed:

• Alex Pereira UFC walkout song: What song does ‘Poatan’ walk out to?
• Who are Alex Pereira’s kids? Everything you need to know about his sons’ beef with Israel Adesanya

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW