Israel Adesanya
UFC fighter Israel Adesanya opens up on his rivalry with Alex Periera
Talented Nigerian-born UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has opened up about his fierce rivalry in the ring and the cage with Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer Alex Periera.
Adesanya, who opened up to Demetrious Johnson on the MightyCast podcast, however, noted that they have both had plenty of fun at each other’s expense through the course of their feud.
“Honestly, he’s a special fighter,” Adesanya told Demetrious Johnson during an interview.
“He’s a special human being. I’ll always respect what he’s done in this game, in fighting and for his life as well. I’m grateful for those moments because, for me, it taught me so much about myself and where I can go.
‘‘Same with the Kelvin Gastelum fight, it let me know I can go more. That one, I was ready to die, but this one, I just knew, ‘There’s no f****** way, this guy, I swear to God, I will die… fourth time’s a charm.
“Then I knew, ‘Israel, there are levels. You can go more. You can go more. So stay tuned.’ It’s not going to take another seven years before I get [Sean] Strickland. Stay tuned, you watch.” He added.
Recall that in April 2023, Adesanya ultimately overcame Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title and record his first victory in their four-bout series, following two kickboxing contests and one UFC title battle.
Since then, Pereira has advanced to become the light heavyweight champion, while Adesanya has lost the championship to Sean Strickland and taken a self-imposed hiatus.