Most MMA fans haven’t heard much English from Alex Pereira, as the Brazilian mostly sticks to his catchphrase, “Chama,” in response to most questions. Pereira’s aura is enough for people to understand him without “Poatan” uttering a single word most of the time.

However, Pereira’s coach, former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, has revealed that Pereira can speak English but doesn’t like to speak a lot. During a recent sitdown with all-time MMA great Demetrious Johnson, Teixeira opined that “Poatan” is a man of few words and doesn’t like to talk much, but if someone spends time alone with him, they will likely have a conversation with the Brazilian knockout artist. He said:

“[Alex] is learning English; he can speak it. My wife is American, and she’s like ‘oh your English is so good!’…He just doesn’t like to speak it a lot, but if you’re by yourself you’ll get a conversation with Alex.”

Check out Glover Teixeira’s comments below:

Pereira’s English has also been improving over time. He has impressed fans by increasingly speaking English during interviews with Nina-Marie Daniele. After the UFC Freedom 250 presser, Daniele also confirmed that “Poatan” understands English well and understood every verbal shot Josh Hokit took at him.

What is next for Alex Pereira?

Alex Pereira vacated his 205-pound throne earlier this year and moved up to heavyweight. However, his 265-pound debut at UFC White House did not go as he would have wanted, and he failed to grab the interim title to become the first UFC champ to hold belts in three different weight classes.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Ciryl Gane of France lands a punch on Alex Pereira of Brazil in the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Pereira was knocked out by Ciryl Gane in Round 2 of their interim heavyweight title fight. “Poatan” was unhappy with the stoppage and blamed referee Herb Dean for allowing Gane to land several illegal shots to the back of his head.

Alex Pereira is now plotting a return later this year and believes just one win at heavyweight could be enough to earn another title shot.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts after being defeated by Ciryl Gane of France in the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.