Rivalries often define careers, but sometimes, even the fiercest competitors find common ground. Israel Adesanya recently opened up about his relationship with Alex Pereira, the fighter who has been both his rival and, surprisingly, a source of mutual respect. Despite their storied history, including several intense bouts, Adesanya has revealed that he harbors no ill will towards Pereira.
Adesanya was recently interviewed by The Mac Life. He revealed that any animosity is more a product of the fight game than personal feelings. He also stated that he has respect for Pereira and that it’s the fans who spread hatred.
“I like Alex [Pereira] and I’m proud of what he’s doing but his fans, they’re still coping. They’re like, ‘it’s 3-1, dammit’, you know, but I like the fact that I’m in their head…[Alex] is fine, I saw something he’s wishing me luck and stuff and I’m like, that’s cool. I have no ill will towards him,” said Adesanya.
Adesanya’s remarks come as a refreshing take on a rivalry that has seen its share of drama. The two fighters clashed in a kickboxing ring two times before their paths crossed again in the UFC. Their matchups have been closely watched and highly anticipated, often fueling speculation about the nature of their relationship outside the octagon.
Transitioning to their interactions outside the ring, Adesanya shared that Pereira’s fans still seem to be grappling with the competitive history between the two. This admission underscores Adesanya’s ability to separate personal sentiment from professional rivalry—a trait not always common in the world of combat sports.
Israel Adesanya Calls Alex Pereira “A Special Human”
One of the most intense and memorable rivalries in recent history has been between Adesanya and Pereira. Yet, despite the fierce battles and the animosity that often comes with such high-profile clashes, Adesanya recently reflected on this rivalry with a surprisingly warm sentiment.
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Adesanya acknowledged the significant impact Pereira has had on his own journey. He talked about how fighting ‘Poatan’ made him a better fighter. ‘The Last Stylebender’ talked about this in an interview with Demetrious Johnson.
“Honestly, he’s a special fighter. He’s a special human being. What he’s done in this game, in fighting and for his life, as well, I’ll always respect him. I’m grateful for those moments because for me, it taught me so much about myself and where I can go,” said Adesanya.
Despite the intensity of their encounters, Adesanya’s latest reflections show a level of maturity and respect that often goes unrecognized in the heat of competition. The respect between the two fighters is evident in their public interactions and interviews. Even though they have often joked and poked fun at each other, Adesanya’s remarks highlight his genuine admiration for Pereira.
Also Read: Dana White Goes Off On Jake Paul For Calling Out Alex Pereira- “Calls People Out For Attention”
