During the UFC White House media day in New Jersey, Josh Hocket approached Alex Pereira and stood in front of him for about a minute, simply staring at the Brazilian. After Hocket walked away, Pereira reportedly said, "He's crazy," according to journalist Robbie Fox. The unusual confrontation follows Hocket's previous callout of Pereira after his last fight. It remains to be seen how Pereira will respond to any provocations from Hocket at the upcoming press conference.
Alex Pereira and Josh Hocket shared an unusual moment at the UFC White House media day in New Jersey on May 8, when Hocket walked directly up to the reigning light heavyweight champion and stared him down in silence for roughly a minute before turning and walking away.
Alex Pereira, nicknamed "Poatan," is the 38-year-old Brazilian light heavyweight champion competing out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness. He carries a 13-4-0 professional record and is one of the most physically imposing champions in the division, standing six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach. His striking output is among the elite, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a 62 percent accuracy rate. After Hocket walked off, Pereira was quoted by journalist Robbie Fox as saying, "He's crazy" — a brief but telling reaction to the stunt.
The staredown did not appear to be a sanctioned face-off. Hocket initiated the moment unprompted, and the exchange follows a callout Hocket directed at Pereira following his most recent bout. With the UFC White House event scheduled for June 14, a press conference still on the horizon, and Pereira's response to any further provocations yet to materialize, the situation bears watching.
Why it matters
- Hocket has now twice put himself in Pereira's orbit, signaling a deliberate campaign to force a matchup with the champion
- Pereira's reaction, however brief, confirms he is aware of Hocket's pursuit
- A potential booking at light heavyweight would carry significant title implications for the division
- The press conference setting could produce a more formal and heated confrontation between the two
Sunday, June 14, 2026
