Fans around the world were once touched by Dana White’s heartfelt gesture to Alex Pereira at UFC 300.
Pereira had just knocked out Jamahal Hill in White’s biggest event of 2024, and it was then that the UFC President noticed something different about his star.
‘Poatan’ was defending his UFC light heavyweight title for the first time, which he had picked up after knocking out Jiri Prochazka in November 2023.
The Las Vegas fans were buzzing with excitement after witnessing Max Holloway deliver one of the greatest knockouts of all time against Justin Gaethje earlier in the night.
Pereira wasted no time, stopping Hill with a perfectly timed lead hook that sent the American to the canvas, before sealing the deal with a flurry of brutal ground and pound shots.
As the cheers echoed through the T-Mobile Arena, referee Herb Dean raised Pereira’s hand in victory, while Hill stood in disappointment.
Typically, this moment signals White preparing to place the championship belt around the victor’s waist.
However, as White approached Pereira to conduct his trademark belt ceremony, the 55-year-old noticed the champion had a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt around his waist.
As a result, White opted to drape the UFC title over Pereira’s shoulder, leaving his prestigious black belt undisturbed.
UFC fans were quick to notice White’s thoughtful gesture, praising him for his act of respect.
One took to X and said: “Massive respect to the art and his team,” while a second added: “Wholesome moment between Alex and Dana White.”
A third said: “He understands the game. Respect,” and a fourth responded: “Love this.”
After the thrilling main event clash, Pereira’s head coach, Plinio Cruz, shared the news on Instagram that the fighter had advanced to the rank of black belt.
“Alex Pereira – our newest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt,” Cruz captioned a photo with Pereira and fellow coach Glover Teixeira, a pioneer of MMA and ex-UFC champion.
Hill had been out of the sport for over a year due to injury after claiming the light heavyweight title by defeating Teixeira at UFC 283.
‘Sweet Dreams’ emerged through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019 and became the first fighter from the program to secure UFC gold.
Pereira started their fight with a series of outside leg kicks, gradually wearing down Hill as the bout progressed.
He then began pressing forward, realising that Hill’s arsenal of strikes wasn’t having much of an impact in terms of damage.
Alex Pereira in 2024
Knockouts for fun
Win over Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307 on October 5 via fourth-round knockout
Win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 on June 29 via second-round head kick knockout
Win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 on April 13 via first-round knockout
As the fight ticked past the three-minute mark, Pereira absorbed a kick flush to the groin, prompting referee Dean to call the action temporarily.
However, as he did, ‘Poatan’, never one to ever kick up a fuss, waved off the stoppage and went straight after the challenger.
Moments later, Pereira landed a brutal shot that sent Hill’s eyes rolling back, dropping him instantly to the canvas.
The fight was already over from that point on, but Pereira swiftly moved on top of Hill, unloading multiple punches to the head before Sean stepped in to stop the fight.
“My goodness, my goodness,” UFC commentator Joe Rogan exclaimed immediately after the knockout.
“What a killer. He literally pushed [Dean] aside, said: ‘Don’t touch me, don’t stop this, I’m killing this dude,’” Rogan added.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier was also on the mic and added: “It must be jarring, the power that he hits you with.”
Pereira has since become arguably the UFC’s biggest stars and is loved by most, if not all of its passionate fans.
In fact, the 37-year-old was named the UFC’s top-selling fighter of 2024, surpassing names such as Conor McGregor, Holloway, Dustin Poirier and Jon Jones.
