Alex Pereira has opened up about his rivalry with Israel Adesanya and how it benefited him right from the start of his UFC journey.
The pair of combat sports legends have shared four captivating fights across two sports, with the icons trading bombs in kickboxing and MMA.
Alex Pereira believes Israel Adesanya is the reason he got a big offer from the UFC
Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya share a special rivalry, with the legends producing fireworks every single time they went toe-to-toe.
The warriors first battled it out in Glory, with ‘Poatan’ winning a decision, before scoring an absolutely horrifying knockout in the rematch.
Following the defeats, ‘The Last Stylebender’ moved over to the world of MMA, eventually joining the UFC and winning the middleweight title.
But despite switching sports, Pereira wasn’t done with him, with the Brazilian chasing down the Nigerian-born athlete.
When they eventually met inside the octagon, Adesanya looked on course to win, until Pereira produced a spectacular comeback to finish him inside the fifth and final round.
After three losses to his nemesis, going into the fourth bout, the New Zealander knew it was now or never, focusing more than ever before to land a right hand with laser-like precision to render his opponent unconscious and finally restore his honor.
With almost two years having passed since the last time they exchanged leather, Pereira is over their feud, holding no ill will towards his old foe, and even crediting him for being the reason he got such a fantastic offer from the UFC in the first place.
On an episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, the light heavyweight champion said: “No, I don’t see myself cheering against Israel Adesanya. I wish him the best.
“Maybe without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have got into the UFC with the good contract that I did due to the history we have.”
Alex Pereira celebrates with sister as she scores another KO win at Karate Combat 52
While Pereira is undeniably a fantastic fighter, he’s not the only member of his family with dynamite hands.
His sister, Aline Pereira, recently competed at Karate Combat 52, and it’s fair to say that she’s just as entertaining as her brother.
The Sao Paulo striker scored a remarkable knockout before celebrating wildly with her sibling.
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