The Word That Lit the UFC on Fire
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has always been full of larger-than-life personalities and unforgettable catchphrases. From Conor McGregor’s sharp-tongued “Red Panty Night” to Nate Diaz’s iconic “I’m not surprised, motherf—,” fighters have often turned simple words into cultural moments.
But in recent years, no word has captured fan attention quite like “Chama.”
The word bursts from the mouth of UFC legend Alex “Poatan” Pereira like a war cry — loud, raw, and unforgettable. You’ll hear fans chant it in arenas, see it printed on shirts, and spot it dominating MMA social media.
So, what does “Chama” really mean? Why does Pereira follow it with the now-famous question — “Chama or No Chama?” And how did this simple Portuguese slang become a global phenomenon?
Let’s break it down.
What Does “Chama” Mean in Portuguese?
At its core, the word “Chama” comes from Portuguese, the native language of Brazil. Literally translated, “chama” means “flame” or “fire.” It can also mean “call” (from the verb chamar, “to call”).
In everyday Brazilian conversation, “chama” is often used in a much looser, slang sense — to signal excitement, motivation, or agreement. It’s similar to English expressions like “Let’s go!”, “Bring it on!” or “Come on!”
So when Pereira yells “Chama!” after a knockout or during a post-fight interview, he’s not talking about literal flames — he’s igniting the crowd. It’s his way of saying, “Let’s go! Feel the fire!”
This fiery meaning is symbolic, too. “Chama” captures energy, drive, and inspiration — the kind of burning passion that defines Alex Pereira’s fighting spirit.
Alex Pereira and the Rise of “Chama”
Before “Chama” became a worldwide chant, Alex Pereira was already building a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history. Known for his stone-faced composure and devastating power, Pereira was not your typical loud, trash-talking fighter.
Then came the catchphrase.
After one of his biggest victories — a brutal knockout of Jamahal Hill — Pereira turned to the camera and said, “You reap what you sow… Chama!”
That single word, delivered with ice-cold calm, exploded across social media. Within days, fans were repeating it, creating memes, remixing videos, and shouting “Chama!” in the comments section of every UFC post featuring Pereira.
Soon, “Chama” became more than a catchphrase — it became Pereira’s identity.
Why Does Alex Pereira Say “Chama or No Chama?”
“Chama or No Chama?” might sound confusing to English speakers, but it’s pure charisma in motion.
The phrase originated when Pereira played a light-hearted game with Sportsnet, where he had to respond “Chama” (for approval) or “No Chama” (for disapproval) to different topics.
Since then, “Chama or No Chama?” has become an inside joke among fans — a way to show whether you’re “in” or “out,” whether something passes Pereira’s vibe check.
For instance:
- Justin Bieber? Chama!
- Packaged milk? No Chama.
- Winning another UFC title? Big Chama.
It’s part humor, part branding genius. By turning a single Portuguese word into a global slogan, Pereira transformed his stoic image into something playful and marketable — a mix that UFC fans can’t resist.
The Cultural Meaning Behind “Chama”
To understand why “Chama” resonates so deeply, you have to look beyond translation.
“Chama” embodies the Brazilian spirit — bold, passionate, and full of life. In Brazilian Portuguese, it’s often used in contexts that mean “Let’s get fired up” or “Bring the energy.”
It’s the same emotional energy you’d hear at a samba parade, a soccer match in Rio, or a street celebration. Pereira just brought that same flame into the Octagon.
“Chama,” in that sense, is not just slang — it’s cultural pride. It connects Pereira to his roots, his people, and the millions of fans who see their own energy reflected in his fighting style.
“Chama” as a Symbol of Power and Presence
Every fighter needs a signature — something that captures who they are in a word or phrase. For Pereira, “Chama” has become that and more.
It’s not just about victory; it’s about presence. When he says “Chama,” he’s declaring that the fire is alive — inside him and in the arena. It’s a challenge to his opponent and an invitation to fans to share that same heat.
Like Muhammad Ali’s “I am the greatest” or Khabib’s “Send me location,” Pereira’s “Chama” has entered the hall of MMA legend catchphrases. It represents intensity, self-belief, and unstoppable drive.
The Other Meanings of “Chama”
While Pereira’s version of “Chama” dominates the UFC world, the word itself carries several meanings across different languages and contexts:
- 🔥 Portuguese: “Flame” or “call,” symbolizing inspiration and energy.
- 📞 Everyday Use: Used informally to say “call me” or “let’s go.”
- 🧬 Scientific Context: “Chama” refers to a genus of bivalve mollusks (rock oysters) found in tropical seas.
- 💃 Latin American Spanish: In Venezuela and some Caribbean regions, “chama” means “girl” or “young woman.”
- 📖 Spiritual Symbolism: The “flame” meaning can represent inner light, purpose, or passion in poetic and religious contexts.
All these meanings reflect one thing — energy. No matter how you interpret “chama,” it’s about life, motion, and spark.
How “Chama” Became a Global MMA Movement
In the age of social media, one viral moment can turn into a movement — and “Chama” did exactly that.
Clips of Pereira yelling “Chama” after fights went viral on TikTok and Instagram. Fans started making memes, shirts, and TikTok edits featuring the word. MMA fighters — even non-Portuguese speakers — began using “Chama” to hype themselves up.
Pereira himself embraced the wave. During UFC 303 media day, he said:
“I’m happy to be creating this kind of movement. To see people wearing the shirts, chanting ‘Chama’ — it’s very cool.”
That authenticity matters. Pereira isn’t forcing a brand — he’s sharing a real piece of his culture. And fans can feel that.
The Psychology Behind Pereira’s Catchphrase
From a psychological standpoint, “Chama” works because it’s simple, emotional, and rhythmic.
- It’s easy to say.
- It carries emotional charge.
- It creates unity.
In other words, “Chama” fires up the same instinct that makes crowds chant “Olé!” at soccer games or “Let’s go!” at concerts.
It taps into collective energy — that shared sense of hype and belonging — which is exactly what makes sports moments unforgettable.
The Flame That Defines Alex Pereira
Every great fighter has a symbol — something that defines them beyond stats or belts. For Alex Pereira, it’s the flame.
“Chama” reflects his entire career journey:
- From kickboxing champion to two-division UFC titleholder.
- From quiet warrior to global icon.
- From personal hardship to blazing success.
It’s fitting, really. The man nicknamed “Poatan” (Stone Hand) found his identity in fire — a flame that burns bright but never loses control.
When Pereira enters the cage, that’s what “Chama” means: the flame is alive, burning hot, and ready to conquer.
FAQs About “Chama”
1. What does “Chama” mean in Portuguese?
It literally translates to “flame” or “call,” but as slang, it means “let’s go” or “bring it on.”
2. Why does Alex Pereira say “Chama or No Chama?”
It’s part of his playful persona — he uses it to signal approval (“Chama”) or disapproval (“No Chama”).
3. Is “Chama” used outside of MMA?
Yes. It’s common in Brazilian Portuguese and can mean “call me,” “let’s move,” or simply “come on.”
4. What does “Chama” symbolize for Alex Pereira?
It represents fire, energy, and drive — his fighting spirit and connection to Brazilian culture.
5. Does “Chama” have other meanings?
In science, it refers to a genus of mollusks, and in Spanish slang, it can mean “girl.”
Conclusion: The Fire That Connects Fans Worldwide
“Chama” isn’t just a word — it’s a phenomenon.
What started as a simple expression from a Brazilian warrior has now become a universal chant for passion, confidence, and power. It’s the spark that lights up arenas, the energy that fuels fans, and the symbol that defines Alex Pereira’s reign.
So next time you hear the crowd roar “Chama!”, you’ll know it’s more than a catchphrase. It’s the flame that connects the fighter, the fans, and the fire within us all.
Chama or No Chama? You already know the answer. 🔥
Emily Dickinson expressed profound spiritual truths through the quiet beauty of her poetry. Her words explore life, death, nature, and eternity with tender simplicity and deep symbolism. Dickinson’s gentle insight continues to inspire readers to look beyond the visible and feel the divine in silence and solitude.
