Joshua Perreira: From Hawaii to ONE Championship – A Fighter’s Journey

In the world of MMA, success isn’t just about skill—it’s about grit, sacrifice, and surrounding yourself with the right people. For Joshua Perreira, that journey took him from the shores of Hawaii to the Midwest wrestling scene and eventually to ONE Championship, one of the biggest martial arts organizations in the world.

Finding His Path in MMA

Joshua always knew he wanted to fight. A lifelong martial artist, he trained in various disciplines, but it wasn’t until he landed in Columbus, Ohio, that his career took shape. Originally preparing for a boxing match at the Arnold Classic, Josh faced a harsh Midwest welcome—his first real experience with snow ended in pneumonia, forcing him to miss his fight. But that setback led to an even greater opportunity.

While helping out at an event, Joshua met Matt Brown at Rude Dog bar. That moment, coupled with an unexpected meeting with Israel Adesanya, set his career in motion. A week later, he took his first MMA fight. He lost—but that loss was the defining moment that fueled his drive to improve.

Building the Foundation at Westside Barbell & Immortal

Joshua quickly realized that to compete at the highest level, he needed to master Midwest wrestling. That meant training with Mark Coleman, Matt Brown, and some of the best grapplers in the world, including Dante Leon and Max Hanson. It also meant embracing strength and conditioning at Westside Barbell.

At first, the Westside training system was brutal. Strength work that once seemed secondary became a game-changer. Over time, Joshua saw the carryover to his fighting—better endurance, increased power, and the ability to maintain intensity deep into rounds. He quickly learned that lifting heavy doesn’t slow you down—it makes you stronger, faster, and more explosive.

The Mentality of a Fighter

Joshua’s mindset is what sets him apart. He doesn't just train when it’s convenient—he makes sacrifices most people won’t. From giving up shifts at work to training before sunrise, his goal is simple: do what is necessary, not just what is comfortable.

In his words:
"Some days I sit there staring at my shoes for 15 minutes before a session, but I always get up and do the work."

That dedication earned him the respect of his peers, with Matt Brown and Myles Robinson vouching for him at Westside—something that’s never taken lightly.

The Road to ONE Championship

Now, Joshua is on the brink of his biggest challenge yet—his debut at ONE Championship. The opportunity came full circle after years of grinding in the shadows. A passing conversation with Rich Franklin led to a contract, and now, Josh is preparing to represent  Immortal, Westside Barbell, and his Hawaiian roots on one of the biggest fight stages in the world.

With a six-fight deal signed, he’s ready to step into the cage and showcase everything he’s built—his striking, his wrestling, his endurance, and most of all, his will to win.

Always Ready

For Joshua, fighting isn’t just about the moments inside the cage. It’s about the hours spent on the mats, the weight cut struggles, the training sessions where nobody’s watching. He’s built for this.

With ONE Championship on the horizon, there’s only one thing left to do—prove that all the sacrifice was worth it.

Watch JoshuaPerreira’s ONE Championship debut live on Prime Video