Israel Adesanya clarified that his rivalry with Alex Pereira was driven more by competition than personal animosity. The legendary middleweight fighter, who had been knocked out twice by Pereira and was 0-3 in their matchups, finally secured a knockout win against him at UFC 287 in Miami, ending their long-standing feud. Pereira, who moved up to light heavyweight, became a two-time champion after reclaiming the belt from Magomed Ankalaev, while Adesanya faces possible retirement following several recent defeats.
In a recent conversation with Banta Muay Thai and MMA, Adesanya emphasized that his battle with Pereira was about challenging himself rather than harboring any grudges. He expressed respect and well-wishes for Pereira’s career, hoping his rival never experiences defeat again. Adesanya said, “For me, it was never about him. It was always about me. I knew I was the only one who had technically hurt this man multiple times, and I believed I could still do it.” He reflected on the skepticism after Pereira’s victory at Madison Square Garden, affirming his confidence in proving his abilities, “If you know you’re better, prove it to yourself in this game.”
Fan Take: This revelation from Adesanya highlights the deep mental and technical battles that define great rivalries in MMA, showing fans that the sport is as much about self-belief as physical prowess. Their story elevates the narrative of resurgence and respect, offering a compelling chapter that could inspire future fighters and shape the sport’s legacy.
