What does ‘chama’ mean? New UFC footage shows Alex Pereira explaining it
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Alex Pereira became one of the UFC’s biggest stars quickly after joining the promotion. His knockout power helped him secure a title shot against his long-standing rival Israel Adesanya after only three fights. That rise was not built only on results.
Pereira’s personality also became part of his appeal, with his catchphrase “chama” spreading across UFC audiences. Many fans and fighters have used the word without knowing its meaning. New UFC footage has now shown Pereira explaining it directly to a former rival.
Alex Pereira explained ‘chama’ to Jamahal Hill before title defense Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images This Monday, the UFC released backstage footage from Pereira’s fight against Jamahal Hill. The bout took place in April 2024, when the Brazilian star defended his light heavyweight title. In the clip, Hill asks ‘Poatan’ to sign a shirt.
Before that, however, the American asks him a simple question: “What does ‘chama’ mean? ” Pereira replies by explaining that the Portuguese expression means “Let’s go”. The exchange was light-hearted, but their fight ended very differently.
Pereira showed no mercy in the cage. He knocked out Hill in the first round and retained his belt against the American former champion. What does ‘chama’ really means in Portuguese?