by Adam Josephson
Alex Pereira Proves He Still Has a Knack for Tire Changing
Despite his success as the UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira hasn’t lost his touch for tire changing. Recently, the former tire shop worker demonstrated his skills when he effortlessly replaced a flat tire. Pereira is set to defend his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303 this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pereira had the opportunity to show off his tire-changing prowess while en route to the airport for his flight to Vegas. The taxi carrying his children had a flat tire and was without a jack. The driver seemed unsure of what to do, but “Poatan” sprang into action, taking the jack from his own car and swiftly changing the tire.
“It’s just like riding a bike: once you know, you never forget. I was worried I might have forgotten how to do it,” Pereira told ESPN through an interpreter. “We were headed to the airport; my kids were in another car, which had a flat. The driver didn’t know what to do and had no jack, so I used mine and got the tire changed.”
Pereira’s journey from a 12-year-old dropout working at a tire repair shop to a kickboxing star who started his career in 2009, and then to a UFC champion, is remarkable. After winning his second UFC title, a photo of Pereira from 12 years ago, working at a tire shop, went viral on social media.
Given his accomplishments in combat sports, one might assume Pereira would have no interest in changing tires again. However, he actually enjoys the task and often changes tires for fun whenever he visits his old workplace in his hometown.
“I actually enjoy changing tires,” he said. “Whenever I go back to Brazil, I visit my old tire shop and have fun changing a few tires.”
Pereira and Prochazka stepped in on short notice to headline UFC 303 after Conor McGregor withdrew from his fight with Michael Chandler due to a broken toe. Pereira believes fans are more excited about the event following the change in the main event.
“It’s a combination of factors,” he explained. “I wouldn’t take a fight on short notice just for one reason. The organization, the fans, and the financial aspect all played a role. Fans are more excited about UFC 303 now that I’m on the card. It’s a great opportunity for me, and I think the change is better for the event overall. That’s why I’m fighting on Saturday.”
