The ongoing feud between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira has become a major storyline in the UFC. Although their animosity traces back to their kickboxing days, their current UFC records show a balanced competition, with each fighter securing a victory over the other. The latest chapter unfolded when Pereira, after his UFC 295 triumph against Jiri Prochazka, publicly challenged Adesanya, reigniting the intense rivalry.
Despite the tension, it’s worth acknowledging that the two fighters have also shared positive moments, as seen after their UFC 287 showdown. Pereira, known as ‘Poatan,’ recently took to his official Instagram, posting a video that encapsulated their rivalry moments. He emphasized that the feud isn’t personal and conveyed a message to Adesanya, urging him never to underestimate someone’s potential again.
In the caption, the UFC light heavyweight champion also expressed that he would even be willing to train with Izzy in the future. Pereira has always been a fan favorite, and this post of his also did not fail to entertain fans. “Izzy Poatan training together would be awesome,” wrote a fan who loved the idea of the two UFC stars training together.
Alex Pereira is open to training with Israel Adesanya. #UFC pic.twitter.com/xmKu9aF0QP
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) November 30, 2023
Another fan expressed that they would love to see a trilogy fight between the two rivals: “They should just finish it as a trilogy in the UFC at LHW.” A fan pointed out that ‘Poatan‘ is even winning the social media game against Adesanya: “So he’s beating Izzy’s ass in the PR world too now? Jesus man, Izzy should just call him daddy already.”
While securing two victories in kickboxing against Israel Adesanya, ‘Poatan’ clinched his inaugural MMA championship by defeating ‘The Last Stylebender’ in the headline bout of UFC 281. Nevertheless, Adesanya bounced back at UFC 287, delivering a brutal knockout to settle the score.
Alex Pereira wants to revive Israel Adesanya’s career
Following his second MMA encounter with Adesanya, Alex Pereira ascended to the light heavyweight division, triumphing over Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka to secure dual championships in two distinct sports. Upon clinching the title against Prochazka, Pereira issued a challenge to Adesanya, aiming to bring their rivalry to a definitive conclusion.
Whereas, Adesanya has some other plans, as he expressed that he has no interest in fighting in the near future. In the post-fight conference of UFC 295, Alex Pereira said that Adesanya not fighting does not make sense. He also added that he owes this to his rival. “I think I owe this to Adesanya. He motivated me first, and the whole thing with him staying out all this time until 2027, I think it’s a waste of talent. I think I can bring him back,” said Pereira.
Alex Pereira holds a 3-1 lead over Israel Adesanya. Now, it seems that a fifth encounter is on the horizon for both fighters.