Considered one of the best rivalries in combat sports history is officially over.
Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya fought twice in kickboxing before transitioning to MMA for an additional two-fight series.
‘Poatan’ won three of their 4 clashes, but Adesanya got the last laugh when he knocked out Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023.
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Alex Pereira to Israel Adesanya: I wish you a fantastic fight
Alex Pereira bounced back to change into a two-time UFC light heavyweight champion.
Meanwhile, Israel Adesanya hasn’t won a fight since and is currently riding a three-fight losing streak.
‘The Last Stylebender’ will attempt to turn things around against Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle on Saturday night.
Pereira made it clear he’s rooting for his old rival to get back to winning ways in a recent Instagram post.
“Saturday is fight night once more,” he wrote alongside a video of Adesanya knocking him out at UFC 287.
“Much respect to Israel Adesanya — we’ve shared the octagon and moments that became a part of my journey. That loss taught me rather a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a person. I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to achieve a better level in the game and in life.
“No matter rivalry, I do know what it means to step in there — the years of labor, the pressure, the sacrifice. That’s why I wish you a fantastic fight. Go in focused and show your best.
“We keep evolving. See you at the highest, CHAMA.”
When is Alex Pereira’s next fight?
Alex Pereira will attempt to make history when he returns to the Octagon on June 14.
The 2-weight champion will step as much as heavyweight for a fight with Ciryl Gane on the UFC White House card.
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s injury absence has led to the creation of an interim title.
Pereira and Ciryl Gane will fight to crown a secondary champion in the course of the most anticipated MMA event of 2026.
If the Brazilian fan favorite wins, he’ll be the primary fighter in UFC history to win belts in three different divisions.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for each Pereira and Israel Adesanya of their upcoming fights.