Why is Alex Pereira’s left hook so powerful? Exploring the Brazilian’s incredible striking prowess

Renowned for his decorated kickboxing career, Alex Pereira stands out among the plethora of MMA brawlers as one of the most devastating strikers in the UFC. His nickname ‘Poatan’ epitomizes his dominance in the cage, as none can withstand the full impact of his powerful blows.

Despite his many accomplishments, his greatest asset is undoubtedly his left hook, which has been hailed as one of the most devastating in both the MMA and kickboxing worlds. It is a powerful and distinct weapon that can easily demolish his opponent’s chin, and there are numerous factors that contribute to its effectiveness.

The Technique Behind Alex Pereira’s Devastating Left Hook

Reigning as the inaugural two-division champion in Glory Kickboxing, Alex Pereira is a skilled striker who expertly utilizes his left hook. He recognizes that in order to successfully connect with a left hook, a fighter must be within range to potentially receive a counter left hook from their opponent. Pereira’s extensive knowledge and technique are evident in his precise execution of this powerful punch.

Pereira takes a risk, but he minimizes it by adjusting his position. He ensures that his shoulders remain squared and his chest is open, which allows him to straighten his left hook. This results in a shorter arc when the UFC light heavyweight champion comes into range, as opposed to the wider trajectory of a regular left hook.

Observe Alex Pereira’s left hook in motion:

Hence, ‘Poatan’s’ adversary is frequently caught off guard by his left hook. He amplifies this technique by initially leaning towards his opponent before swiftly leaning away at the last moment. However, the genetic factors contributing to Pereira’s strength cannot be overlooked.

Robert Whittaker once questioned how a fighter of Pereira’s stature was able to compete in the 185-pound weight class, suggesting that his opponents may have denser bones. However, it is not just his physical attributes that make Pereira a formidable opponent. His adept setups were clearly on display in his fight against Sean Strickland.

At UFC 276, Pereira utilized Strickland’s tendency to parry incoming strikes to his advantage. He strategically dipped low and landed body jabs to Strickland’s midsection. As a result, Strickland started lowering his hands to defend against the body jabs, leaving his face vulnerable.

After making sure the reaction was ingrained in Strickland’s mind, Pereira pretended to throw a body jab. As ‘Tarzan’ lowered his hands to defend against the jab, ‘Poatan’ surprised him with a left hook over the top, causing him to fall to the ground. ‘Poatan’ then followed up with more strikes, resulting in a TKO victory just seconds later.

Watch Alex Pereira’s TKO victory over Sean Strickland:

Pereira’s use of subtle level changes, dipping low and then slightly upward, is not limited to his fights with Strickland. This strategy allows him to generate momentum for his left hook.