It cannot be overstated how Alex Pereira's success in MMA is partly down to the company that he chooses to keep.
Early on in his transition from kickboxing, "Poatan" started to work closely with the former UFC light heavyweight champion, Glover Teixeira.
As a 42-fight veteran, Teixeira was the perfect person to pass knowledge on to Pereira and the two men have become very close as a result.
The skill set that saw him become the UFC's oldest first-time champion is also the perfect counter balance to the striking skills that the current 205-pound champion possesses.
In a recent interview with The Scrap, Pereira's training partner Renato Valente provided some insight into what the relationship between "Poatan" and Teixeira is like.
He said that having Teixeira in his corner has proven to be massively beneficial for the champion because he gives him the confidence he needs in all areas of mixed martial arts.
Not only that, they have a great understanding and working dynamic with one another, which brings the best out of Pereira - something we are likely to see when he returns at UFC 307 this weekend to face Khalil Rountree.
With Teixeira's extensive knowledge of the game being channelled into one of the most dangerous strikers we have ever seen inside the Octagon, Valente jokingly remarked that it's like watching the now-retired former champion control a video game character.
Definitely Glover is the guy behind the scenes, the big guy behind the scenes because he’s the guy that passed all his [knowledge] , makes him feel comfortable when he’s grappling. We used to say like Glover never play video games in his life, with Alex, that’s what he does, looks like he’s playing video games.
They have a really, really good relationship and that helps Alex because Alex feels comfortable with him and he’s the guy right now. Alex is a busy guy so he goes everywhere but they have a connection really good like Alex don't any train with any other gym, talk to any other coach, he makes videos and sends them to Glover and says, ‘Hey, what do you think about that?’
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