Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya recently discussed his storied rivalry with Alex Pereira, the man who ultimately became a two-division champion within the promotion.
The history between the Nigerian striker and the Brazilian power-puncher is extensive, spanning both kickboxing and mixed martial arts. They faced each other a total of four times: Pereira claimed victory in the first three encounters, while Adesanya finally secured his win in their most recent meeting.
`For me, it was never personal. I just knew that I was the only one who could technically cause him serious damage. And I am very proud of what he achieved after our last fight. He is back on top, a two-time light heavyweight champion. I sincerely hope he never loses again — and retires undefeated.`
Adesanya also shed light on his motivation for demanding the immediate rematch following his first MMA loss to Pereira.
`Back then, it was more about proving other people wrong. Because after he beat me, many said: “That’s it, Israel will never fight him again.” And I personally told [Dana] White: “Let me fight him once more,”` Adesanya stated.
