UFC champion Alex Pereira and former champion Glover Teixeira participated in a marathon event together. The post includes a humorous reaction emoji noting that the veteran Teixeira was made to run. The activity demonstrates both fighters' commitment to cardiovascular conditioning outside their regular training. Marathon participation is uncommon for MMA fighters at this elite level. The post highlights the lighthearted aspect of seeing the older Teixeira taking on such an endurance challenge.
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former title holder Glover Teixeira took a break from the gym recently, lacing up their running shoes together for a marathon event — a sight that drew an amused reaction online, particularly at the prospect of the 46-year-old Teixeira pounding the pavement for the long haul.
Pereira, known by his nickname "Poatan," holds the light heavyweight championship and carries a 13-4 record at 38 years old. The six-foot-four Brazilian, who trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness, is one of the most feared strikers in the sport, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 62 percent accuracy. Cardiovascular work of any kind is a natural complement to the explosive output he brings inside the octagon.
Teixeira, also Brazilian and also based at Teixeira MMA and Fitness, is a combat sports veteran at 46 with a career record of 33-9. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, the former light heavyweight champion averaged 3.73 significant strikes per minute across his career alongside a solid 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes. The humor surrounding his marathon participation stems from his age and long career — seeing a fighter of his experience willingly take on an endurance challenge of that scale is not something fans encounter every day.
Why it matters
- Both fighters share the same gym, reinforcing the tight-knit training environment at Teixeira MMA and Fitness
- Marathon-level cardiovascular work is a rare public display of conditioning by elite MMA athletes
- The moment offers a lighter, more personal glimpse at two of Brazil's most accomplished light heavyweights away from competition
