Israel Adesanya reflects on his rivalry with Alex Pereira, expressing pride in Pereira’s achievements and emphasizing the personal significance of their battles, while hoping Pereira’s career ends on a high note.
Israel Adesanya has spent a lot of time in combat arenas with Alex Pereira. He hopes his past rival’s career ends on the highest note possible.
Pereira first defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing. Then, he took the middleweight title with a fifth-round knockout at UFC 281 in November 2022.
Adesanya, however, reclaimed it with a Knockout of the Year candidate five months later at UFC 299. A sweet victory.
Reflecting at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Adesanya shared what those battles meant. “For me, it was never really about him, it was always about me,” he said.
He knew he could hurt Pereira, touching him multiple times. “I’m so proud of what he’s doing now,” Adesanya added.
Pereira became a two-time light heavyweight champ, even facing Jon Jones at the White House. Adesanya hopes he never loses again.
After their MMA rematch, Pereira moved up and became a two-division champion. Though he dropped the title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, he regained it at UFC 320 in October.
Adesanya couldn’t be happier for Pereira but admits his own victory was incredibly meaningful. “I hope he retires undefeated,” he said.
People doubted Adesanya after the Madison Square Garden loss. But he was determined: “Yo, Dana, run that shit back.”
Adesanya always knew he could do it. “If you know you’re better, f*ck him,” he advised. Prove it to yourself.