Adesanya Reflects on Epic Rivalry with Pereira, Hints at Future Fights
Despite a heated rivalry that unfolded across kickboxing and MMA, Israel Adesanya maintains a grudging respect for his nemesis, Alex Pereira.
The animosity between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira has been undeniable, a four-fight saga that transcended kickboxing and spilled over into the UFC octagon. Yet, despite the competitive fire, Adesanya acknowledges a deep respect for his longtime rival.
“Honestly, he’s a special fighter,” Adesanya said on a recent episode of the MightyCast podcast with Demetrious Johnson. “He’s a special human being. What he’s done in this game, I’ll always respect him.”
The rivalry culminated in a dramatic conclusion at UFC 287 in April 2023. Adesanya, finally claiming victory after three previous losses to Pereira, regained the middleweight championship. Since then, Adesanya has relinquished the title and taken a hiatus, while Pereira has ascended to light heavyweight champion.
Adesanya acknowledges the pivotal role Pereira played in shaping his career
Despite the heated moments, Adesanya recognizes the significance of the rivalry in shaping his career.
“It taught me so much about myself and where I can go,” Adesanya said. “There’s levels. You can go more. You can go more. So stay tuned.”
Their history began in kickboxing, with Pereira winning their first meeting by decision and then scoring a spectacular knockout in their second bout. In their initial UFC encounter at UFC 281, Adesanya appeared on the verge of victory before a late flurry from Pereira secured a stunning comeback win.
The animosity reached a peak when Pereira replicated Adesanya’s celebration after knocking him out in their rematch. Adesanya, however, responded in kind after his own victory at UFC 287.
“I knew what I wanted to do,” Adesanya said, describing his celebratory mimicry of Pereira. “I was like, ‘I’m going to hit him with his s***, but now it’s my s***.’”
With only three career losses in MMA, Adesanya remains a dominant force. While a future clash with current middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis seems likely, the possibility of a trilogy bout with Pereira continues to intrigue fans.
Adesanya, however, remains cautious. “There’s no reason for me to fight the same guy again,” he said.
Despite his reservations, the shared history between these two warriors suggests that a third chapter in their epic saga could still be written.
