Alex Pereira, known as “Poatan,” has quickly become a fan favorite in MMA due to his thrilling knockout power and aggressive, yet highly calculated, fighting style. While many view him as just a brutal striker, there’s a depth to his approach that makes him stand out. In this article, we’ll break down how Pereira fights, focusing on the key elements that make him such a dangerous opponent.
The Stance and Movement That Set Poatan Apart
Alex Pereira’s stance is rooted in traditional kickboxing, with his feet set slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. His body is angled at about 45 degrees, making him light on his feet. This gives him the ability to move quickly in any direction while staying balanced. His hands are usually low, allowing him to react fast and control the fight from unexpected angles.
Poatan’s footwork is one of his most important tools. He often steps forward with his rear foot before throwing a jab, a move that, while unconventional, works well in closing the distance between him and his opponent. This subtle trick catches opponents off guard, setting him up for a powerful follow-up punch or a quick counter.
By using his footwork in such a way, Poatan can turn a simple jab into a deadly combination. His rear hook and lead hook flow smoothly, creating an almost unpredictable pattern of attacks that’s difficult to defend against.
Poatan’s Unconventional Defense
When it comes to defense, Alex Pereira doesn’t rely on a traditional high guard. Instead, he uses a mix of head movement, parries, and a long guard to avoid strikes. This technique requires precision and great skill, as it’s a risky strategy that leaves his head vulnerable. However, the payoff is huge, as this approach allows Poatan to stay light on his feet and maintain his vision of the entire fight.
His head movement is especially important. Pereira uses constant slips and subtle movements to make his opponent miss, all while setting up feints that make it difficult to predict his next move. This ability to move and attack at the same time is one of the reasons why he’s so dangerous in the pocket.
In addition to head movement, Poatan uses his long guard, which involves extending his arms in front of him to gauge his opponent’s strikes. This unique tactic helps him sense what’s coming next, allowing him to counter swiftly and effectively.
Kicking Like a Martial Artist
Unlike many MMA fighters who rely heavily on Muay Thai kicks, Poatan’s approach is influenced by traditional martial arts like Taekwondo. His kicks are crisp, quick, and use very little hip rotation. Instead of spinning through his kicks, he focuses on the snap of his leg, creating immense power with a simple and efficient movement.
One perfect example of this is his knockout of Jiri Prochazka. Poatan set up a lightning-fast calf kick by using a shallow switch step and chambering his lead leg, landing the kick with incredible precision. His ability to generate power in such a quick motion is a testament to his unique approach to striking.
The Punching Power of Poatan
Poatan’s punching style is often described as unorthodox. He throws most of his punches with a downward trajectory, a technique that can leave his head exposed. However, this tactic is part of his plan to draw opponents into his range, setting them up for a devastating counter.
His left hook is arguably his most dangerous weapon. Poatan’s setup for this punch involves shifting his weight to his lead foot, creating a sense of readiness for the strike. He often feints or throws a rear overhand before launching the lead hook, making it difficult for opponents to see it coming. The punch lands with such force, often coming from an unexpected angle, that it’s nearly impossible to defend.
Adopting Poatan’s Style
Alex “Poatan” Pereira’s fighting style combines the best of traditional techniques with innovative approaches that have made him a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world. His footwork, defense, and unique strikes set him apart from other fighters, creating a style that’s both effective and thrilling to watch.
By studying Poatan’s approach, fighters can improve their own game. Whether it’s incorporating advanced footwork, using a low guard for mobility, or throwing punches from unpredictable angles, there’s much to learn from the way Alex Pereira fights.
