Alex Pereira, the light heavyweight champion, supports Jamahal Hill‘s decision to seek advice from Israel Adesanya ahead of their fight at UFC 300, despite Pereira’s past victories over Adesanya in kickboxing and MMA.
Alex Pereira’s got a take on Jamahal Hill seeking advice from Israel Adesanya. He thinks it’s a good move.
This Saturday, Pereira’s light heavyweight title is up for grabs. His opponent? Hill. It’s the main event of UFC 300.
This is Hill’s comeback fight after an Achilles rupture last year. Some folks are skeptical. They think it’s too soon for the ex-champ to return. Pereira? He’s not one of ’em.
“I don’t expect him to just sit out, not train ’cause of an injury,” Pereira said. He was talking at the UFC 300 media day. The topic? Hill’s condition and his injury layoff.
“If he signed the contract to fight, he did it for a reason,” Pereira added. “He knows the test he’s got ahead. I’m aware of it too.”
Hill seems to agree. He’s the former UFC light heavyweight champ. He’s confident he’s a better striker than the Glory Kickboxing champ. And he plans to prove it this Saturday.
Hill’s got a secret weapon. He recently got some help from Adesanya. Pereira and Adesanya go way back. Pereira’s got three wins over Adesanya in kickboxing and MMA. Adesanya knocked Pereira in their rematch last year. He recently said Hill will do the same on Saturday.
Pereira’s response to his former rival and future opponent teaming up? A bit cheeky.
“I think it was good,” Pereira said. “Actually, the best thing he could’ve done. If he sparred with Adesanya, it would’ve been a big frustration. Especially ’cause I beat him so many times.”
If Pereira can walk the talk and beat Hill on Saturday, he’ll add another feather to his cap. A successful UFC title defense. Some fans might want him to move up to heavyweight. They want him to be the UFC’s first-ever three-division champ. But for now, Pereira’s goal is to keep defending his title.
“There’s no plan,” Pereira said. “The next step is to keep defending the title, unlimited times. I don’t call out opponents. I’ll fight anybody. I’m the champ. I’ll keep defending it.”