Israel Adesanya overcame a massive professional demon at UFC 287. Adesanya reclaimed his middleweight crown in his rematch with Pereira. Pereira has long played the thorn in Izzy’s side, going back to their kickboxing days. Adesanya suffered a massive knockout loss to Pereira in their time as kickboxers. As well as Pereira stopping Adesanya in their first meeting inside the octagon. However, Adesanya finally finished Pereira earlier this month. The victory seemed to drop a huge load off the shoulders of Adesanaya.
However, Adesanya recently thanked Pereira for their time against one another in combat sports. The middleweight champion took to Twitter to show his respects to the former champ. “Our individual legends will always be intertwined because of the stories we’ve told with our beautiful violence. I’m grateful we have this rivalry, I’m grateful he beat me. It forced me to grow, made me better. Now I have done the same for him, the gift that keeps on giving…ass whoopings. Shoutout to the Warrior from Brazil Alex “Poatan” Pereira!
Israel Adesanya Thanks Pereira For Rivalry
I love this game.
Nothing compares on this planet, in this life than putting it all on the line. One shot, the whole world watching…waiting…then BOOM!!HISSTORY.
Our individual legends will always be intertwined because of the stories we’ve told with our… pic.twitter.com/SAuRf2SzSo— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) April 26, 2023
Adesanya didn’t hold back his feelings shortly after the bout. The two-time middleweight champion gave an emotional speech after the bout. In the speech, Adesanya discussed what the moment meant to him. Also, Adesanya gave an excellent quote on chasing what excites you. The post-fight interview will go down as one of the most memorable to ever take place inside the octagon. Now, fans are wondering what both fighters have in store for their future in the UFC.
It seems that both have moved on from this moment in their life. Even with Pereira holding an extra win over Adesanay. Recently, Pereira announced that his next fight will take place at light-heavyweight. As for Adesanya, the middleweight champion will take on the winner of Robert Whittaker and Driscus Du Plessis. It looks like both fighters have locked into the next stage of their career. However, there could still be a rekindling of this rivalry down the road. Would you like to see Israel Adesanya take on Alex Pereira one more time? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
[Via]