UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira recently opened up about his past struggles with alcohol addiction, hoping to inspire and help others who might be facing similar challenges.
With two UFC titles and wins against five UFC world champions in only nine fights in the promotion, Pereira may be one of the biggest stars in MMA right now, but he didn’t have an easy path to the top. The Brazilian powerhouse battled with alcohol issues in the past and admits that back then, he didn’t have the support system he enjoys today to make healthier choices.
Now that Pereira has conquered his demons, he’s using his journey to inspire others facing similar struggles. Recently, he and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira, met with young people in Connecticut who are battling addiction. Their heartfelt session was recorded and shared on Pereira’s official YouTube channel.
“Well, since I was 12 years old, I’ve always had a tendency to drink alcohol,” Pereira told Connecticut Youth. “It was very difficult for me. Every year that passed, it was increasing. There was a time when I decided to stop. Now, where I lived, I didn’t have the knowledge of medical help or a group of people like what is happening here. So after four years with the battle, you know going back and forth with alcohol, and after four years, I’ve finally got it.”
Pereira’s last appearance was at the UFC 303 main event, where he stepped up on short notice to defend his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka, delivering a knockout in the second round. Originally, the event was set to feature Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler in the headline bout, but that plan fell apart when the Irishman sustained an injury.
