“He tried but didn’t…” Alex Pereira talks about surpassing Israel Adesanya in legacy 

Who has a better legacy, Alex Pereira or Israel Adesanya?


“He tried but didn’t…” Alex Pereira talks about surpassing Israel Adesanya in legacy 

Alex Pereira compares his legacy with rival Israel Adesanya (via Imago)

Alex Pereira might have surpassed Israel Adesanya‘s legacy, but it isn’t that easy to define. Pereira and Adesanya have given fight fans one of the biggest rivalries in modern UFC history. With fans supporting their favorite fighters from the pair, it still isn’t sure who has done better.

Alex Pereira recently talked with MMA reporter Laetre Viana, where he was asked to compare his legacy with Israel Adesanya. While responding to it, ‘Poatan’ mentioned that he wasn’t sure and it was hard to come to a conclusion.

Honestly I don't know man. You have to see the criteria they use. Adesanya made several [title] defenses, I couldn't defend the middleweight belt...But there are things I did, I was a double champion. He tried [to be a double champion] but didn't...I'm not worried about that because I think it doesn't matter what classification they give you. What matters is what you do and inspire people. And I think I'm doing it very well.
Alex Pereira via Laetre Viana MMA
YouTube video

Adesanya is regarded to have one of the most dominant title reigns in recent UFC memory. The fighter was extremely active and defended his title five times. Adesanya showed incredible striking and ran through his division without having much trouble. Against Pereira, Izzy has one win and the same number of losses. 

FS Video

On the other hand, Pereira took the sport by storm and achieved a lot in a very short time. The Brazilian won the middleweight championship but failed to defend it. After that, he moved up and won the light heavyweight championship, something Adesanya failed to achieve. After considering everything, as Pereira said, it’s quite hard for the fans to find the true winner in terms of legacy.

Israel Adesanya gives credit to Alex Pereira for their rivalry 

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira started their rivalry back in the Glory Kickboxing days, where Pereira beat Izzy twice. The story continued when the Brazilian did the same in their first encounter in the UFC. Pereira immediately rose in the middleweight rankings and beat Izzy to become the champion.


Israel Adesanya thanks Alex Pereira for their rivalry
Israel Adesanya thanks Alex Pereira for their rivalry ( via DAZN/YouTube)

However, Izzy’s comeback to knockout Pereira in their second UFC fight was nothing short of a miracle. The ‘Last Stylebender’ greatly respects Pereira for pushing him to his limits.

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. 
Israel Adesanya via MightyCast
YouTube video

After winning the light heavyweight title, Pereira didn’t waste much time and called out Izzy for a fight. However, it seems like Adesanya is now over it and doesn’t want to chase the rivalry further. The fighter wants to shift his focus to different challenges before his retirement.

In case you missed it!