Content Advisory: This article contains details of alleged abuse that may be disturbing to individuals with a history of sexual violence.
Alex Pereira, a well-known mixed martial artist slated to be the main event at the upcoming UFC match hosted at the White House for the U.S. president’s 80th birthday, is facing accusations of mistreatment from two women, with previous similar claims against him.
According to court records examined by CBC News, which include testimonies, it is alleged that the 38-year-old Brazilian UFC fighter was involved in inappropriate behavior such as assault, confinement against will, coercive sexual engagements, and stalking.
As Pereira aims for a title in a third weight division, drawing attention from numerous combat sports fans, including those in Canada, anticipation is high for Sunday’s fight.
The accusations, denied by Pereira, were first brought to light by Maike Backhaus of the German broadcaster ARD/WDR. These allegations surface as the administration of Donald Trump deals with repercussions following the partial unveiling of the Epstein files.
Survivors of Epstein and legislators have criticized the administration for alleged cover-ups and disbelief towards women who claim they were exploited and mistreated by the former sexual predator, who had close ties with Trump.
Former Partner Seeks Protective Order, Details Alleged Mistreatment
The ongoing legal matter was initiated in the domestic violence unit of the Miami courts in July 2025 by a German MMA presenter publicly known as Merle Christine, who was in a relationship with Pereira for about a year.
Christine explained to CBC that she resorted to legal action against Pereira to safeguard herself and obtain a restraining order to prevent him from contacting her, speaking about her, or manipulating his followers, which she deems crucial for her well-being.
Pereira, whose nickname is Poatan, meaning “hands of stone” in the Indigenous Tupi language, is originally from São Paulo.
When approached for comment on the allegations, Pereira’s attorney was contacted by CBC via email on Wednesday but had not replied as of Friday evening.
Christine and Pereira first crossed paths in 2022 during an MMA event in Germany, where she, fluent in Portuguese, assumed the role of his interpreter.
As their bond intensified, Christine mentioned, “He always said, ‘I conquered you.'”
She shared that she left her marriage, job, and country to be with Pereira in the U.S., only to witness a change in his demeanor upon her arrival.
Christine alleged in legal documents that Pereira displayed controlling and isolating behavior, pressuring her for intimate relations nearly every day, sometimes depriving her of sleep until compliance.
She recounted a specific incident several months into the relationship where Pereira supposedly used force and restricted her movements, seizing her phone and attempting to confine her to a room.
In a deposition on January 7, Pereira refuted any acts of violence against Christine, alleging instead that she had slapped him. Although he denied confining her, he admitted to taking her phone to prevent her from leaving.
“The door was open. She could have left whenever she wanted,” he mentioned.
