Pereira‘s Past Fuels Present Dominance: Tire Shop Reminder Ignited Championship Drive
LAS VEGAS – A seemingly innocuous exchange during UFC 320 fight week, referencing a former job at a tire shop, proved to be a pivotal moment in the career of light heavyweight contender Alex pereira, reigniting a core motivation that propelled him to championship status.The Brazilian fighter revealed the memory served as a powerful reminder of the life he vowed to leave behind, and continues to fuel his ambition as he prepares for future challenges.
Pereira’s journey from a humble tire shop employee to a two-division UFC champion is a testament to his unwavering determination. The recollection surfaced during a tense face-off with Magomed Ankalaev ahead of their April 13th bout at UFC 320. Ankalaev’s insults prompted Pereira to speak of his past, a deliberate act intended to reinforce his commitment to success. “I wanted to remind myself of that,” Pereira explained, “I wanted me to remember that moment and kind of put that obligation on me of not wanting to go back to the tire shop because a lot of peopel ask, ‘How’d you make it from the tire shop to being a world champion?'”
The meaning of this internal dialog lies in its enduring impact. Pereira has consistently stated his desire to avoid returning to his previous occupation, framing it as the ultimate failure. This self-imposed pressure, born from a desire to transcend his circumstances, has become a driving force throughout his MMA career. He has openly shared this story, using it as inspiration and a source of resilience.
Adding a symbolic layer to his narrative, Pereira announced his intention to revisit the tire shop in Brazil – this time, as a champion. “I will be going back to the tire shop in Brazil,” he stated, “but I’ll be bringing the light heavyweight gold with me.” This gesture underscores the complete transformation of his life and serves as a powerful message of hope and perseverance.