Alex Pereira is one of the UFC's most feared knockout artists, and watching his sons train under Glover Teixeira has become a genuine family tradition. Known as Poatan, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, who dethroned Jamahal Hill for the title in 2024, has repeatedly posted footage of former champion Teixeira coaching his sons Alessandro and Lohan Vidal Silva through sparring sessions, with Pereira watching from the sidelines. Fans have called their striking the spitting image of their father's technique, joking they'll be dangerous if they keep it up. Alessandro has publicly declared his own goal of becoming a UFC champion one day. Known for devastating counter-striking and relentless composure, Pereira's investment in his sons' development remains one of combat sports' most heartwarming storylines. #sparring #mma #boxing #ufc
Alex Pereira's sons are learning striking from one of the sport's most respected figures. Alessandro and Lohan Vidal Silva have been training under former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, and footage of their sparring sessions, with their father watching from the sidelines, has become a recurring sight on social media.
Fans have been quick to notice the resemblance, calling the boys' striking the spitting image of their father's technique and joking that they will be dangerous if they keep it up. Alessandro has said publicly that he wants to become a UFC champion one day.
Pereira, known as Poatan, is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion. He took the belt from Jamahal Hill in 2024 and is one of the promotion's most feared knockout artists. The 39-year-old Brazilian holds a 13-4-0 record and is listed at number three in the divisional rankings. At six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, he lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, numbers that reflect the counter-striking and composure he is known for.
Teixeira, 46, is also from Brazil and carries a 33-9-0 record. The former champion stands six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach and lands 3.73 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy. Unlike Pereira, he has a notable grappling side to his game, averaging 2.11 takedowns and 0.9 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Both men train out of Teixeira MMA & Fitness, which ties the family's development directly to the gym where the champion himself works.
Why it matters
- Pereira's investment in his sons' training adds a family dimension to a champion already defined by his striking pedigree.
- Teixeira's role as coach extends his influence from a former title holder to a mentor shaping a possible next generation.
- Alessandro's stated goal of reaching UFC gold gives the story a long-term thread, though it remains an ambition rather than a plan.
