What Does 'Chama' Really Mean? Alex Pereira Finally Breaks Silence on Viral Catchphrase
By Alexander Ross
Alex Pereira did not ascend through the UFC ranks using polished English press conference soundbites. His rapid rise across two weight divisions, clobbering top contenders and trading historic knockouts in his rivalry with Israel Adesanya, relied almost exclusively on devastating left hooks and an unyielding, stone-faced demeanor.
His nickname, "Poatan," translates to "Stone Hands" in the indigenous Tupi language of Brazil. For years, English-speaking audiences viewed him as an austere, nearly mythical figure who let his kickboxing credentials speak for him. Yet as Pereira captured the middleweight crown and later dominated the light heavyweight division, his deadpan repetition of "Chama" pierced the language barrier.
During UFC 300 fight week in April 2024, fans turned the word into an interactive chorus. Whenever Pereira appeared on screen, arenas roared the syllable back at him. By 2026, the expression had transcended mixed martial arts circles, slipping into mainstream gym culture, online gaming lobbies, and global sports discourse.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
