Fanaticsโ Topps brand had exclusive rights to UFC trading cards from 2009-2020. Panini America took over from 2021 to 2023, but Fanatics returned as UFCโs partner in 2024 and has the UFC card collectors all excited. Moreover, they have employed the services of light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in a recent hilarious advertisement, further adding excitement.
Pereira, who defended his light heavyweight title against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, has become a big star in the UFC. With his rivalry with Israel Adesanya and subsequent fights at light heavyweight, Pereira has already built a Hall of Fame resume. In the ring, the Brazilianโs ice-cold stone face is scary, but he also showcases his funny side, which is on full display in the Topps advertisement.
In the video, Pereira becomes the store manager of a card shop. Funnily enough, he even spoke English in the video. For context, Pereira stated he had no plans to speak in English at the UFCโs pre-fight press conference of UFC 300. Nonetheless, Pereira speaking English in the advertisement delighted fight fans.
Pereria had suffered an injury before and during the fight against Jamahal Hill, at UFC 300. Therefore, he couldnโt get his wish to headline the subsequent UFC 301 PPV. Even though Magomed Ankalaev was the rumored next challenger, Periera has revealed a rematch with Jiri Prochazka is next.
Alex Pereiraโs ad with Fanaticsโ Topps brand has gone viral on social media. The light heavyweight champion was a store manager in the ad and had a hilarious comedic sequence with a young girl. MMA content creator Nina Marie Daniele, OnlyFans model Francia James, and others praised Pereira.
See how the MMA community reacted to the video below.
Several UFC fighters have appeared in Hollywood movies. Recently, Conor McGregor had a starring role in Road House opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Pereiraโs acting prowess in the ad made many in the MMA community urge the light heavyweight champion to try his hand at action movies. With his popularity now, that doesnโt seem like a far-fetched idea.
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