The Science Of Alex Pereira’s Powerful Punch: What Makes Him Different

Alex Pereira isn’t just a knockout artist—he’s a mystery. When you watch him fight, you notice something strange. He doesn’t pace. He doesn’t fidget. He doesn’t even seem excited. He just stands there, calm as if he’s waiting in line for coffee. But if you’ve ever seen him fight, you know what’s coming next.

As he gets ready to defend his UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 313, Pereira’s last training session at Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Connecticut offers a glimpse into his unique approach. His sparring partner has him pinned against the cage, seemingly in control. Pereira barely moves for almost a minute, making it look like he’s stuck. But then, in an instant, he explodes—he underhooks, pushes off, and creates space. And then comes the moment every opponent fears: a quick right hand followed by his signature left hook. A sickening thud echoes through the gym. Just like that, the fight could’ve been over.

“Sometimes my power even scares me,” Pereira admits. “I know my opponents choose to fight, but I also know I can really hurt them.”

What Makes His Punches So Devastating

Every fighter in the UFC trains for power, but Pereira’s knockouts feel different. He’s not just strong—he hits like he’s throwing bricks. So, what’s his secret?

According to experts, it’s not just about strength. Dr. Stuart McGill, a professor who has spent years studying knockout power, explains that the deadliest punchers aren’t just strong—they know how to stay relaxed. “When you’re tense, your movements slow down,” McGill says. “Pereira has this incredible ability to stay loose, then unleash everything at the last moment. That’s why he hits so hard.”

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Bruce Lee once said, “Relax, then focus all the energy into the fist.” Pereira is the perfect example of that philosophy. He doesn’t just throw punches—he builds them up like a coiled spring, waiting for the perfect moment to let loose.

Source: UFC star Alex Pereira and the mystery of punching power

Breaking Records with Stone Hands

Last year, Pereira visited the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas and did something unbelievable. He shattered the record for the hardest punch ever recorded, beating former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

This might come as a shock to casual fans—after all, Ngannou is a 265-pound monster. But power isn’t just about size. “People think muscles equal power, but that’s not true,” says former UFC fighter Matt Brown. “It’s about technique, accuracy, and timing. And Pereira has all three.”

Brock Lesnar, one of the most physically imposing UFC fighters ever, was incredibly strong but never had knockout power like Pereira’s. The difference? Pereira understands how to transfer energy perfectly through his strikes, while Lesnar relied more on brute force. That’s why when Pereira lands a shot, it doesn’t just hurt—it shuts the lights off.

The Science of Alex Pereira’s Powerful Punch: What Makes Him Different

The Tire Shop That Built a Champion

Most fighters spend their whole lives in the gym, but Pereira believes his knockout power started somewhere else—at a tire shop.

Growing up in Brazil, Pereira worked at a tire shop from the age of 12. His job? Installing and removing rims, a physically demanding task that required explosive bursts of strength. “That movement—aim, relax, fire—it’s the same as throwing a punch,” Pereira explains.

Looking back, it makes sense. His father was a bricklayer, known for his thick, powerful hands. His sister, Aline, is also a professional fighter. Power seems to run in their family. But Pereira’s journey wasn’t just about genetics. Years of physical labor, combined with natural talent and top-tier training, molded him into the knockout artist he is today.

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What’s Next for the UFC’s Most Feared Striker

Pereira’s rise in the UFC has been meteoric. He went from making his UFC debut in 2021 to winning the middleweight title in just his fourth fight. Now, he’s ruling the light heavyweight division, defending his belt at an unprecedented pace.

With every fight, he seems to get better. Initially, critics said his wrestling was a weakness. But under the guidance of former champ Glover Teixeira, he’s transformed into a well-rounded fighter. Now, even top-tier wrestlers struggle to take him down.

Yet, despite his success, Pereira remains humble and collected. He never trash-talks, never plays mind games—he just shows up and fights. And when he fights, you can see it in his movement. He’s patient, like a predator stalking his prey, waiting for that one perfect moment to strike.

So, how much longer will he stay on top? If history is any indication, we haven’t even seen the peak of Alex Pereira yet. One thing’s for sure—when he fights, fans know to expect something unforgettable. And for whoever stands across from him in the Octagon, the ocean of calm will always be waiting… until it erupts.