Former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, has officially declared the end to his intense rivalry with Alex Pereira, bringing to a close one of the most fascinating feuds in contemporary combat sports history.
In a recent episode of his YouTube channel, FreeStyleBender, Adesanya discussed their storied history while anticipating Pereira’s latest title defense at UFC 307.
He said, “My story with him is over. People still love to remind me, especially the ‘Poat*rds,’ that the score is still 3-1, d*mn it.”
This remark reflects Adesanya’s desire to move beyond their competitive past and the emotional burden accompanying their encounters.
The backdrop to this rivalry spans an impressive seven years and includes two distinct combat disciplines: kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
Pereira initially had the upper hand, scoring two victories over Adesanya in kickboxing matches before delivering a stunning TKO that secured him the UFC middleweight title in November 2022. This moment marked a significant turning point, as Adesanya faced the weight of being defeated by a fighter he had once bested.
However, Adesanya made a remarkable comeback just six months later, successfully reclaiming the title in the second-round knockout of Pereira. This victory not only reinstated him as champion but also earned him the prestigious Knockout of the Year honors for 2023, solidifying his position as one of the elite fighters in the sport.
Despite the fans’ fervent desire for a trilogy match to settle the score, both Adesanya and Pereira appear to be at peace with moving on from their rivalry. In his reflections, Pereira showed respect for Adesanya’s sportsmanship, stating, “I think it was a nice thing that he did. I have a lot of respect for the fact that the rivalry stayed in the ring.”
Their evolving relationship signifies a newfound mutual respect, with talks of potential collaboration in training. This shift marks a departure from their previously heated exchanges and showcases the professional growth both fighters have undergone.
