The Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya relationship has come a long way.
Famously, it was their kickboxing rivalry that led to Pereira’s entire UFC career. The two faced off twice in the ring, with Pereira winning
once via knockout and once via controversial decision. When Adesanya left kickboxing and became a UFC champion, he glibly remarked on their previous rivalry, and “Poatan” decided to follow him to the Octagon … which turned out to be a pretty great idea!
The two would battle twice in the cage as Middleweights, splitting the contests with one knockout win each. With some weight and time now between them, the two have developed a considerable respect for another. In a recent Q&A with Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Adesanya reflected on their rivalry and expressed his pride at seeing Pereira’s post-rivalry success.
“For me it was never really about him,” Israel Adesanya said of Alex Pereira (h/t Red Corner MMA). “It was always about me. I knew technically I’m the only one to hurt this man multiple times. I knew I could always touch him.”
“I’m so proud of what he’s doing now, two-time light heavyweight champ now, he’s back on top about to fight [Jon Jones] at the White House. I hope he never loses. I hope he retires undefeated. But, it’s not about other people, it was about me. After he beat me at Madison Square Garden, people were like, ‘oh, he’ll never want to fight him again.‘ But I was like, yo Dana, run that s—t back. I need that. I always knew I could do it.”
Unfortunately, times have been tough for Adesanya since capturing his white whale, as he’s lost three straight fights for the first time in his professional career. He’s promised a more aggressive 2026, but “Stylebender” currently remains unbooked. Similarly, Alex Pereira’s next matchup is unknown. He’s talked frequently about facing Jon Jones next, but there are obstacles to consider for that matchup, and rumors are swirling that he’ll instead jump to Heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane instead.
Either way, expect Adesanya to be cheering for him when “Poatan” is back in action.
