Alex Pereira will be honored with the 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award and will head into a big fight in June for the interim UFC heavyweight title.
Award Announcement
The UFC announced during the UFC 327 broadcast on CBS that Alex Pereira is the recipient of the 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award.
Play-by-play announcer Jon Anik revealed the news on air. The award recognizes fighters who give time and effort to help others in their communities.
Why Pereira Was Chosen
Pereira earned the honor for his work with sick and underprivileged youth in his native Brazil. The UFC highlighted his dedication and the time he spends supporting young people who need help.
The Forrest Griffin Community Award is given each year to fighters who make a real difference off the mat. Past winners include Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, and the Nogueira Brothers.
Hall of Fame Ceremony
Pereira will receive the award at the UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony this July. The ceremony will also honor new Hall of Fame members Dominick Cruz and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
The UFC will also celebrate the memorable UFC 248 fight between Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk during the induction event. Pereira’s community award will be presented alongside these Hall of Fame recognitions.
Upcoming Fight
Before the Hall of Fame ceremony, Pereira is scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June. The bout will decide the interim UFC heavyweight champion.
The fight with Gane is a major test for Pereira as he balances his training and his community work. The June matchup will have big implications for the heavyweight division.
Pereira’s award highlights the positive impact fighters can have outside the cage. As he prepares for a title fight, he will also be honored for giving back to his community in Brazil.
