MMA timeline creates fascinating parallel stories that seem almost too perfect to be real. While one superstar’s reign comes to an end, another’s meteoric rise begins in the most unexpected way. This is exactly what happened when Kamaru Usman scored his last victory at UFC 268 in November 2021, defeating Colby Covington in their highly anticipated rematch. <\/p>
That same night, on the same card, a relatively unknown (in the UFC) Brazilian kickboxer named Alex Pereira made his octagon debut against Andreas Michailidis. Nobody could have predicted that as Usman’s championship dominance was about to crumble, Pereira would embark on one of the most spectacular runs in UFC history.<\/p>
Usman had just defended his welterweight title for the fifth time, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest champions in the division’s history. Meanwhile, Pereira was taking his first steps into mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, carrying nothing but his devastating striking skills and an unfinished business with Israel Adesanya from their kickboxing days. <\/p>
What followed over the next three years would be a complete role reversal. Usman would suffer three consecutive losses while Pereira would capture two different championship belts and become the sport’s most feared knockout artist.<\/p>
His debut against Andreas Michailidis lasted just 18 seconds into the second round, ending with a flying knee that left no doubt about his finishing ability. That debut performance served as a warning shot to the entire division, though few realized they were witnessing the birth of a future champion.<\/p>