Kayla Harrison, known for her exceptional judo career and two Olympic gold medals, has stopped praising Alex Pereira for her impressive take on judo techniques and their shared fight at UFC 300 earlier this year was an event to be remembered. Making his debut in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Harrison scored a key second submission victory over former champion Holly Holm. Meanwhile, Perera retained his light heavyweight title with a stunning first knockout of Jamahl Hill. Despite their top-notch performances, it was their interactions backstage that drew the most attention.
After the event, Harrison and Pereira had a moment backstage where Harrison gifted Pereira a red belt as a glowing nod to his growing judo skills “The red belt is a joke, obviously ,” Harrison said with a laugh. “Not often from seniors, especially veterans. But Pereira’s commitment to teaching judo was evident in the videos he showed. I was amazed at how quickly he changed. He executed the techniques so precisely, and made it clear that he picks up skills quickly.”
Harrison’s praise is based on true enthusiasm. He watched Pereira train and marveled at how quickly he developed skills. “She looked like a professional judoka,” he continued. “It was amazing to see him sweep feet with such skill. It was like watching someone slide effortlessly into a banana peel.
He’s picking things up incredibly fast.”Kayla Harrison, known for her exceptional judo career and two Olympic gold medals, has stopped praising Alex Pereira for her impressive take on judo techniques and their shared fight at UFC 300 earlier this year was an event to be remembered.
Making his debut in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Harrison scored a key second submission victory over former champion Holly Holm. Meanwhile, Perera retained his light heavyweight title with a stunning first knockout of Jamahl Hill. Despite their top-notch performances, it was their interactions backstage that drew the most attention.
Harrison’s praise is based on true enthusiasm. He watched Pereira train and marveled at how quickly he developed skills. “She looked like a professional judoka,” he continued. “It was amazing to see him sweep feet with such skill. It was like watching someone slide effortlessly into a banana peel. He’s picking things up incredibly fast.”
From Kickboxing to MMA
Alex Pereira has had an incredible journey from kickboxing to mixed martial arts. Pereira had already made a name for himself in the combat sports world by winning two GLORY Kickboxing division titles prior to signing with the UFC in 2021. He made a big impression on the mixed martial arts community upon his UFC debut, taking home belts in two separate weight classes and being named Fighter of the Year in 2022.
Pereira has advanced quickly in the sport thanks to his extraordinary capacity for change, evolution, and success at the greatest levels of competition. His transition from kickboxing to mixed martial arts is evidence of his adaptability, unwavering commitment, and drive for greatness. It also highlights his capacity to become an accomplished multi-discipline fighter and solidify his place among the combat sports industry’s most dynamic competitors.
