You’ve seen it. That unblinking, chiseled, frozen-in-time stare. It’s the Alex Pereira side profile, and it has basically become the unofficial logo of the UFC over the last few years. Whether he’s weighing in or standing across from a terrified opponent, Alex "Poatan" Pereira looks less like a human being and more like something carved out of volcanic rock.
There is something unsettling about it. Most fighters twitch. They growl. They pace around the cage like caffeinated tigers. Not Alex. He just stands there. That side profile is so consistent it’s almost eerie, a stoic mask that has birthed a thousand "🗿" emojis across social media.
But it isn’t just a meme. Honestly, that face tells the story of a guy who went from a tire shop in Brazil to becoming a two-division UFC champion.
The stone face that conquered the Octagon
Alex Pereira doesn't do "happy." Even when he knocked out Jiří Procházka at UFC 303 or reclaimed his light heavyweight throne against Magomed Ankalaev in late 2025, the expression barely shifted. People call it the "Stone Face," and it’s a direct reflection of his nickname, Poatan, which means "Stone Hands" in the Tupi language.
Why does the side profile go viral every single time?
- The Bone Structure: He has a remarkably prominent brow ridge and a heavy jawline. When the arena lights hit him from the side, it creates these deep, dramatic shadows that make him look like an ancient statue.
- The Lack of Emotion: In a sport filled with trash-talkers like Sean Strickland or Conor McGregor, Pereira’s total silence is louder than any shout.
- The Intimidation Factor: Standing 6'4" with a 79-inch reach is scary enough. Looking at him from the side, you see a man who seems physically incapable of feeling fear or pain.
It's kinda wild to think about. We live in an era of hyper-marketing where everyone is trying to be a "character." Pereira became a global superstar by doing the exact opposite. He just exists, and the world projected a legend onto that silhouette.
✨ Don't miss: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
Ancestry and the Pataxó warrior spirit
You can’t talk about the Alex Pereira side profile without mentioning his heritage. Alex is incredibly proud of his indigenous Brazilian roots. He belongs to the Pataxó tribe, and his famous pre-fight ritual—where he mimics firing a bow and arrow—is a direct nod to his ancestors.
He didn't actually know about this heritage until he was nearly 20. Growing up in a favela in São Bernardo do Campo, he was just a kid trying to survive. When he discovered his indigenous lineage, it changed everything. It gave him a "why."
When you see that profile during his walkout, often accompanied by traditional face paint, you aren’t just looking at a modern athlete. You’re looking at a man who views himself as a warrior in a very literal, ancestral sense. He has even brought his UFC belts back to the Pataxó people in the Amazon to celebrate with the tribe. That’s not a PR stunt. That’s who he is.
Why the "Poatan" stare is a tactical weapon
Is it all just for show? Not a chance.
The Alex Pereira side profile is a nightmare for his opponents because it offers zero data. Usually, a fighter can "read" their rival. They look for a heavy breath, a nervous eye twitch, or a sign of fatigue.
🔗 Read more: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
With Pereira, you get nothing.
The psychology of the void
Imagine you’ve just hit a man with your best shot. You look at him, and his face hasn't moved. He’s just staring past you with that same side-on gaze. It’s soul-crushing.
This stoicism is a huge part of his 13-3 record. He’s had legendary wars—the comeback against Israel Adesanya, the brutal leg-kick battles with Khalil Rountree Jr., and the 2025 saga with Ankalaev. Through all of them, the face remains the same. He treats a world title fight the same way he treats a trip to the grocery store.
Posture and the "Tall Man" defense
Technically, that profile is part of his fighting stance too. Alex stands incredibly upright. It’s a classic kickboxing posture that most MMA fighters avoid because it makes them "easier" to take down. But Pereira is so confident in his reactions that he keeps his head high, using his height to look down on his opponents. It makes his left hook—the most dangerous weapon in the sport—even harder to see coming.
More than just a 🗿 emoji
By 2026, Pereira has solidified himself as one of the greatest combat sports crossovers ever. He’s the only person to hold two titles in Glory Kickboxing and two titles in the UFC.
💡 You might also like: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
People love the "Chama" catchphrase and the stone-face memes, but the real appeal is the authenticity. There is no "fake" version of Alex Pereira. What you see in that famous side profile is exactly who he is when the cameras are off.
If you’re looking to channel a bit of that Poatan energy in your own life, here’s the "Stone Face" blueprint:
- Focus on the work, not the noise. Alex spent years in a tire shop before he ever touched a glove. He doesn't care about the fame; he cares about the craft.
- Embrace your roots. He found power in his history. Knowing where you come from gives you a foundation that no one can shake.
- Stay calm under pressure. Whether it's a title fight or a stressful day at work, reacting with a "stone face" keeps you in control of the situation.
The next time you see that Alex Pereira side profile pop up on your feed, remember it’s not just a lucky photo. It’s the face of a man who conquered his demons, honored his ancestors, and became the most feared striker on the planet.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to understand the man behind the mask, watch his documentary "Poatan" or go back and watch his first fight with Israel Adesanya in Glory. Seeing the evolution from a raw kickboxer to a refined UFC champion makes that stoic stare even more impressive. You should also check out his training footage with Glover Teixeira—it's one of the few places you'll actually see him crack a smile.