As UFC star Alex Pereira prepares to compete on one of the most high-profile cards in combat sports history, the former two-division champion is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations of sexual assault, stalking, forcible touching, and domestic abuse made by two women. The accusations, detailed in court filings and depositions reviewed by CBC News, have emerged just days before Pereira's scheduled appearance at UFC Freedom 250.
The most extensive allegations come from German MMA presenter Merle Christine, who filed a domestic violence case in Miami in July 2025 seeking legal protection from Pereira. According to the court documents, Christine alleges the Brazilian fighter engaged in controlling behavior throughout their roughly year-long relationship, including coercive sexual encounters, stalking, surveillance, and an incident in which she says he forcibly restrained her and prevented her from leaving.
Pereira denied the allegations during a January deposition, insisting he never assaulted Christine and disputing claims that he confined her. "The door was open. She could have left whenever she wanted," Pereira said during sworn testimony.
Known to fans as "Poatan," or "Stone Hands," the 38-year-old fighter rose from poverty in Brazil to become one of the most accomplished combat athletes of his generation. He is a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion and is currently pursuing history by attempting to capture a title in a third weight class.
Earlier this year, the UFC announced Pereira would receive its Forrest Griffin Community Award for charitable work through Instituto Poatan, a youth-focused nonprofit in São Paulo.
Christine alleges that Pereira's behavior changed dramatically after she relocated to the United States to be with him. "The moment I entered his door, his behavior changed," she told CBC News. "The moment he knew that I gave up everything for him, his behavior changed."
She also claimed that members of Pereira's inner circle pressured her to remain in the relationship because of the financial stakes tied to his championship fights.
"He's a cash cow," Christine said, describing the environment she encountered while trying to leave.
The Miami case is not the only controversy facing the fighter. In 2024, Meredith Brown publicly accused Pereira of sexually assaulting her following a UFC event in New Jersey. Pereira denied those allegations as well, describing the encounter as consensual and confirming that he provided a statement to law enforcement.
Court records also reveal Pereira spent 18 days in jail in Brazil more than a decade ago following an incident involving his then-wife. He denied assaulting her and characterized the arrest as a misunderstanding stemming from jealousy.
Neither the UFC nor the White House publicly addressed the allegations before fight week, and Pereira has continued to deny any wrongdoing.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. In the United States, confidential support is available through the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via RAINN.org.
