Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya have a long history of rivalry. Both fighters have displayed extraordinary performances in the UFC. Their rivalry is nothing sort of a blockbuster movie script. Pereira became the first fighter to defeat “Stylebender” in the UFC middleweight division. Soon, Adesanya returned the favor with a knockout win at UFC 287.
Both the fighters share a neutral record, 1-1 against each other in MMA. Izzy seemed to have poked ‘Poatan’ on many occasions on his social media handles. However, Pereira seems to have acknowledged he won’t hold a grudge against Adesanya for picking against him in the fight against Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka.
I hope (Adesanya) wins because he has a beautiful story… I’m here, I’m supporting him. I already fought him, not going to say he should lose. I’m not mad at him, no grudges. Like I said, if one day it’s possible to train with him, exchanging knowledge.
Alex Pereira on his YouTube Channel
Pereira’s words show that he has moved on from that rivalry and wants to have a better relationship with Izzy. Meanwhile, Adesanya mocked Pereira a few weeks ago ahead of UFC 300. This on-and-off banter between the two has been going on since Pereira joined UFC in 2021. Now, Pereira has even picked Adesanya to defeat Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.
Alex Pereira shows love to Israel Adesanya 🤝
“I hope [Adesanya] wins because he has a beautiful story… I’m here, I’m supporting him. I already fought him, not going to say he should lose.
I’m not mad at him, no grudges. Like I said, if one day it’s possible to train with him,… pic.twitter.com/vhP9s8GZk9
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 12, 2024
After his TKO win against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295, Pereira called out Adesanya for a trilogy fight. Many pundits seem to have disagreed with that idea. On many occasions, Poatan also expressed his desire to train with his arch-nemesis, Izzy. Whatever happens next, a third MMA fight seems unlikely as ‘Poatan’ aims for a light heavyweight title defense later this year.
Alex Pereira gives a date for his potential return
Alex “Poatan” Pereira holds the light heavyweight crown at the UFC. His undefeated streak at 205 lbs has made him one of the most vicious fighters in the UFC. Poatan defended his light heavyweight belt twice. Shockingly, he completed his title defenses in a span of less than three months. The most recent was at UFC 303 against Jiri Prochazka.
Alex Pereira speaks about his potential return (via X)With that win, Pereira wanted to take a break for a few months. However, his fellow light heavyweight contenders eagerly want to welcome the Brazilian back to the octagon. The Brazilian posted a video on his YouTube channel. He discussed various things about training, potential fights, and his potential return.
When I return, it won’t be now, I want to rest a little. Evolve my training, but I think December would be a good date for me. November or December. Before November I don’t want to go back, I want to rest and evolve.
Alex Pereira on his YouTube channel
Now, the Brazilian has given an estimated time for his return. It remains to be seen who the UFC thinks would be a perfect matchup for Alex Pereira. Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz seem like the most obvious options out there. As such, everyone is looking forward to Pereira’s third appearance in the calendar year.
