Alex Pereira’s influence continues to stretch beyond his own fights, now pushing his coach towards an unexpected return.
Plinio Cruz, Pereira’s long-time coach and cornerman, is now considering stepping back into competition, but this time inside a boxing ring.
The Brazilian is not new to fighting. Cruz competed professionally in MMA between 2008 and 2019, recording 17 fights across major promotions including Bellator and Cage Fury Fighting Championships.
Now, years after stepping away from active competition, the 40-year-old appears to be weighing up a comeback.
Plínio Cruz targets summer boxing return
Speaking alongside Pereira on The Ariel Helwani show, Cruz admitted the idea of booking a boxing fight is gaining momentum.
“I don’t think I’m done, right? So, I think I have a little fuel in the tank. He [Alex Pereira] really wants me to do a boxing fight, not a YouTuber boxing fight, because he thinks I can do good. So let’s see for the summer, Misfits, MVP…”
That openness suggests Cruz is not looking for novelty bouts, but rather a credible test against a legitimate opponent.
With Misfits Boxing and MVP continuing to expand their cards, a crossover appearance from an experienced MMA veteran would fit the current trend, while still offering competitive intrigue.
Alex Pereira driving the comeback plan
The push, however, is clearly coming from ‘Poatan’ himself.
“I told Plinio, he has to have at least one boxing match. Not with an influencer, but with a real fighter, pick a good guy, because he’s doing really well.
“I fully support him having a boxing match, he’ll make good money too, Plinio has a name. I’m motivating him, he’s losing weight and that’s it, let’s have a fight.”
Pereira’s backing adds weight to the idea, especially given his own success transitioning between combat sports.
For Cruz, the motivation now looks simple: one more walk to the ring, with Pereira in his corner this time.
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