Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya (Image Credits: Imagn)

Israel Adesanya Admits How 'Biggest Mistake' Against Alex Pereira Turned Into Career-Defining Breakthrough

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 4:02 AM ET

Israel Adesanya has opened up about a pivotal moment in his rivalry with Alex Pereira, admitting that what he once saw as his “biggest mistake” ultimately became a turning point in his career. Reflecting on their early encounters, Adesanya explained that engaging with Pereira’s provocations while he was still rising through the ranks gave unnecessary attention to his rival.

At the time, Pereira was looking to build momentum, and Adesanya now believes that responding only added fuel to the fire. In retrospection, Adesanya admitted that staying calm and composed would have been a better approach. “Responding to Alex Pereira when I was coming up, and he was trying to egg me on, like I knocked this guy out. If I hadn’t responded, it wouldn’t have meant anything. I know this now because of my time in the game,” Israel Adesanya stated.

However, the former middleweight champion doesn’t view that moment with regret anymore. Instead, he sees it as a lesson that helped shape his mindset inside and outside the Octagon. “But I benefited in the end because it gave me that chance to avenge that loss and really dive deep into myself and figure out how I can win.”

Israel Adesanya says responding to Alex Pereira was the biggest mistake that ended up benefiting him

"Responding to Alex Pereira when I was coming up, and he was trying to egg me on, like I knocked this guy out. If I hadn't responded, it wouldn't have meant anything. I know… pic.twitter.com/quzfEOWL7h
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 27, 2026

His rivalry with Pereira became one of the most defining chapters of his career, and in hindsight, the mistake he once dwelled on played a crucial role in his growth. At the moment, both Pereira and Adesanya seem to have moved past their rivalry. Moreover, the duo even shares a respectful relationship. Recently, Alex Pereira talked about his KO defeat to Israel Adesanya. The two-time UFC light heavyweight champion even had some words of respect for Adesanya.

Alex Pereira’s Take on His Defeat Against Israel Adesanya

As Adesanya is currently preparing for his next bout against Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night, Pereira looked back in time and wished Israel good luck. Posting a clip of his fight against Adesanya, Pereira wrote some encouraging words for the 36-year-old.

“Much respect to Israel Adesanya… Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there — the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice. That’s why I wish you a great fight. Go in focused and show your best. We keep evolving. See you at the top CHAMA,” Pereira wrote.

Alex Pereira posted a video of himself getting knocked out by Israel Adesanya and sending his supports for him this Saturday:

"Much respect to Israel Adesanya… Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there — the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice.… pic.twitter.com/5Pv6xSC8Rv
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 25, 2026

Adesanya has been in MMA for a long time now. While he has had his share of ups and downs, he knows how to get back on track. With his next bout against Joe Pyfer, Adesanya is officially in his career’s last chapter. For now, his entire focus is on his next bout against Pyfer.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: