‘Pride and tradition’: Alex Pereira talks about his indigenous background as Jiri Prochazka hits out at ‘shamanic black magic’

Alex Pereira had a unique experience in Brisbane before preparing for his UFC 303 main event.

Amoung his many accomplishments, Alex Pereira can probably lay claim to having the most unorthodox start to a fight camp in UFC history.

The light-heavyweight champion, who will make a late-notice title defence in a rematch with Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 this weekend, was in Brisbane just two weeks ago when Conor McGregor pulled out of his fight with Michael Chandler due to injury.

UFC 303: PEREIRA VS PROCHAZKA 2 | SUN 30 JUNE 12PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View

In a process that took just 24 hours – and despite being on the other side of the planet – Pereira accepted the UFC’s offer of a late-notice fight.

He then experienced a traditional Samoan Ava ceremony in Brisbane, and even helped give his longtime coach, Plinio Cruz a painful tatau (tattoo).

A proud member of Brazil’s indigenous Pataxo tribe, Pereira always represents his culture when he fights, and was eager to learn more about Samoan traditions during his trip to Australia.

“That was an awesome experience, just to get to see it and to live it too,” Pereira told this masthead this week. “We really have to value the traditions, and that’s why I try to bring my traditions to the UFC too.

“It was great to see that and to feel it too while I was in Australia.”

Pereira even helped the local tufuga (tattoo artists) as they worked on a tatau on the lower leg of his coach Plinio.

“Plinio is always down for a unique experience like that,” Pereira said. “You can get tattoos anywhere in the world, but it’s something different, and it’s something he’s going to be able to carry for the rest of his life.

“You can see there’s a lot of meaning, pride and tradition behind everything.

“Everyone has the tattoos, and I can’t explain it too much because I haven’t lived through it enough, but from what I saw and what I understand, there’s so much tradition and meaning behind everything.”

Pereira helps give his coach, Plinio Cruz a Samoan tatau (tattoo). Picture: Supplied/Instagram

Pereira shows his own culture every time he fights.

At weigh-ins, he wears a feathered headdress and traditional face paint, and his unique fight night entrance is also inspired by his background.

“That’s from my indigenous roots – my grandparents were indigenous - and I have researched my origins and my ancestors,” he said.

“I started learning more about indigenous culture as well, and then started implementing some of that for myself and for my entrance.

“It means a lot to me to be able to display my culture. People and the cultures are disappearing more and more, so to be able to bring that back with the rise we’re having – and because the UFC is such a big platform – it’s very important.”

Pereira’s unique walkout is inspired by his roots. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Pereira’s opponent this weekend, former light-heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka, is keenly aware of the Brazilian’s background.

The Czech fighter has even called for Pereira to stop leaning into some of his cultural pre-fight rituals and practices.

“He’s doing these rituals before the fight, everybody can feel that around him and what’s going on,” Prochazka said. “Alex can’t fight without that.

“This is my challenge to him: If we can fight in a clear way in this case – without the other things, let the higher power be in the cage and let’s see who’s the best in the world in pure performance.”

Pereira poses with tribal leader and friend Ubiranan Pataxo at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. Picture: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Pereira brushed off those comments.

“You need to remember where you’re from and honour your traditions,” he told this masthead. “But that doesn’t have anything to do with it.

“My success is due to my hard work, my training and everything I do.

“Everybody has their own spirit – we’re not only made of flesh and bone.

“I found mine. If he does not believe, that’s not my fault.”

Originally published as ‘Pride and tradition’: Alex Pereira talks about his indigenous background as Jiri Prochazka hits out at ‘shamanic black magic’