Former UFC two-division champion Alex Pereira has a strong message for Israel Adesanya forward of his rival’s return at UFC Seattle.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya can be searching for his first win in three years when he takes on Joe Pifer this Saturday at UFC Seattle. Adesanya has misplaced three straight fights and hasn’t competed within the Octagon since shedding by TKO to Nasouddin Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025.
Adesanya’s final win was towards then-middleweight champion Alex Pereira, who Adesanya shares an illustrious historical past with courting again to his skilled kickboxing days. After struggling a complete of three losses to Pereira in kickboxing and blended martial arts, Adesanya knocked out Pereira at UFC 287 in one of the vital surprising finishes in UFC historical past.
Regardless of the previous animosity between Adesanya and Pereira, the 2 UFC superstars renewed their rivalry and shared an enthusiastic and heartfelt second at UFC 312 final 12 months. Forward of UFC Seattle, Pereira penned a touching tribute and motivational message for Adesanya, who’s attempting to beat his ongoing stoop.
Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya: ‘Present your greatest’ at UFC Seattle
Lately Instagram Within the publish, Pereira shared a cultured message to Adesanya forward of UFC Seattle.
“Saturday is combat night time once more. Huge respect to Israel Adesanya. We shared the Octagon and shared moments which have been a part of my journey. That loss taught me loads. It pushed me to evolve not solely as a fighter, however as an individual. I grew, matured and used it as gas to achieve increased ranges in sport and life,” Pereira mentioned of Adesanya.
“Whatever the rivalry, I do know what it means to step in there. Years of laborious work, strain, sacrifice. So I want you a terrific combat. Keep targeted and combat and do your greatest.”
“We’ll proceed to evolve. See you at CHAMA on the prime.”
Pereira can be seeking to develop into the UFC’s first three-division champion when he faces Cyrille Gane in his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250 this summer season. Pereira vs. Gane can be fought for the interim heavyweight title as undisputed champion Tom Aspinall continues to get well from a number of eye accidents.
Within the meantime, Pereira is maintaining a tally of UFC Seattle this weekend and seems to have a powerful curiosity in Adesanya’s return combat.
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