Who is Plinio Cruz? All about Alex Pereira’s coach set to make boxing debut against Gary Olive

Plinio Cruz is best known as the head coach and translator of UFC superstar Alex Pereira. The Brazilian-American mixed martial arts coach has played an important role in Pereira’s rise to the top of the sport. He has also worked with several other fighters, including former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira. Cruz has built a reputation for his coaching skills, martial arts knowledge, and close relationship with Pereira.Cruz is now preparing for a new challenge outside mixed martial arts. He is set to make his boxing debut against Gary Olive at a Misfits Boxing event in London on October 10, 2026. The bout was arranged after original opponent Chase DeMoor withdrew because of an eye injury.Who is Plinio CruzPlinio Cruz has established himself as a respected coach in the mixed martial arts community. He serves as the head coach at Cruz Mixed Martial Arts, also known as Cruz MMA. His work involves preparing fighters for competition and helping them develop their skills inside the cage.Cruz is particularly recognised for his partnership with Alex Pereira. He has coached the Brazilian star throughout his rise in combat sports and has also helped him communicate with English-speaking audiences. His role as Pereira’s translator has made him a familiar face to UFC fans.The coach has also worked with Glover Teixeira, a former UFC light heavyweight champion. In addition, he has trained rising heavyweight fighter King Edokpolo. His experience working with fighters at different stages of their careers has helped establish his reputation in the sport.Cruz’s achievements have also received recognition at the World MMA Awards. He won the Coach of the Year award at the 16th edition of the ceremony, highlighting his contribution to the sport.Beyond coaching, Cruz has a background as a professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the heavyweight division and reportedly finished his professional career with an 8-9 record. He is also a former Cage Fury Fighting Championships heavyweight champion and competed under promotions such as Bellator and M-1 Global.Cruz has extensive martial arts experience. He holds a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a second-degree black belt in judo. These qualifications reflect his experience in grappling and other traditional martial arts disciplines.Cruz is now stepping into the boxing ring for the first time as a competitor. He was initially scheduled to face Chase DeMoor, the Misfits Boxing heavyweight champion, on October 10 at the Copper Box Arena in London. However, DeMoor withdrew after suffering an eye injury.The promotion subsequently announced that Gary Olive, DeMoor’s coach, would replace him. The contest was described as a “Battle of the Coaches.”Cruz’s boxing debut gives the experienced MMA coach an opportunity to test himself in a different combat sport. It also adds another chapter to his career beyond the corner, where he has spent years helping fighters prepare for some of their biggest challenges.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.