When it comes to throwing out ceremonial first pitches, MMA fighters have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable. But Alex "Poatan" Pereira proved he's just as accurate on the diamond as he is in the Octagon.

The two-division UFC champion took the mound at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, to watch the New York Yankees defeat the Texas Rangers 7-4 in the opener of a three-game series. Dressed in a custom Yankees jersey with the number 1 on the back—a fitting tribute to his pound-for-pound status—Pereira stepped up to the rubber with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

And he delivered. The Brazilian fired a strike straight down the middle, right over the plate. It wasn't a 95-mph fastball, but it hit its mark with the same precision that made him a champion. Compare that to Conor McGregor's infamous first pitch at a Cubs game, which sailed wildly to the right, and you'll see why Pereira's effort drew cheers from the Bronx crowd.

But the night was about more than just a perfect pitch. Pereira was introduced as the "former" two-division UFC champion—a title he voluntarily relinquished to chase history. He's moving up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim championship at the UFC White House event on June 14th. A win would make "Poatan" the first fighter ever to hold titles in three weight classes.

Add that to the list of accomplishments alongside his flawless first pitch, and it's clear: Alex Pereira doesn't miss, whether he's throwing hands or baseballs.