Pereira Shows Adesanya His Support

Alex Pereira has shown his support for Israel Adesanya, as the latter prepares to step back into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Seattle.

Pereira shared a poignant video of the moment Adesanya knocked him out at UFC 287. For the first time in his Hall of Fame-caliber career, the 36-year-old Adesanya finds himself on a three-fight losing streak. Defeats against Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov have raised questions over his future.

However, Pereira disagrees, noting that the fire Adesanya lit under him was what ultimately drove “Poatan” to capture the light heavyweight belt. Adesanya’s return isn’t exactly a “tune-up.” He faces Joe Pyfer, who is looking to use the former champion’s name as a stepping stone into the top 5. However, Alex backed Adesanya to come out on top. 

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“Saturday is fight night once again. Much respect to Israel Adesanya — we’ve shared the octagon and moments that became part of my journey. That loss taught me a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a man. I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to reach a higher level in the sport and in life. 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 said

While that may be the case, Adesanya admitted that he does not feel appreciated when it comes to the UFC.

“The last guy who put it on the line, regardless, called out the best, was me. So yeah, that’s one thing I can say that people didn’t appreciate until – even I didn’t appreciate until now that I’m here watching it, and I’m like, ‘Damn. This game is slow and just stuck without me.’ That, and I’m sure there’s other things as well, but that’s one thing I can say that people didn’t appreciate, even I might not have appreciated, was how active I was and how much I gave to the game while I was holding the belt,” Adesanya added