Dana White’s planning for UFC 312 unites company’s biggest rivals, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira

Former rivals Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya sitting side by side at UFC 312 is likely because of Dana White.

Dana White’s planning for UFC 312 unites company’s biggest rivals, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya sat next to each other thanks to Dana White (via X/Imago)

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira have been at the center of one of the most competitive rivalries in recent UFC history. The two faced off twice inside the octagon, each claiming a victory to even score. However, in a surprising twist, the former rivals have recently put their differences aside and developed an unexpected friendship.

Recently at UFC 312, both fighters met and even sat next to each other on the octagon side and watched the fights. It was a wholesome sight which caught the attention of many fight fans. In a recent video, Izzy talked about his time with Pereira while watching the fights.

That was cool, just sitting next to them. Whoever set that up, good job. Pretty much like two cavemen talking. Me and Alex. 

Israel Adesanya via his YouTube channel 
YouTube video

UFC CEO Dana White has previously said that he personally makes the sitting arrangement every week before fights. It was interesting to see him making sure that both Pereira and Izzy sat right next to each other. Many viral videos of the fighters have shown both struggling with the language barrier. 

However, their mutual respect and saying ‘Chama’ was enough for Izzy and Pereira to connect with each other. On top of that, Pereira sharing his Zyn gummies with Adesanya also helped in their bonding. Pereira was there to support Sean Strickland against Dricus Du Plessis and even got a callout from the middleweight champion. 

Former UFC champion previews the potential Alex Pereira vs. Dricus Du Plessis title clash

After dominating Sean Strickland for five rounds, Dricus Du Plessis defended his title for the second time in a row. After that, he made it clear that he wanted to move up and fight Alex Pereira for the double champion status. Last year, DDP destroyed Israel Adesanya in a title fight, which caught the attention of Pereira. 

Alex Pereira knocked out Khalil Rountree at UFC 307
Alex Pereira knocked out Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 (via MMA Fighting)

‘Poatan’ was ready to move down and fight Du Plessis and avenge his friend’s loss. However, it seems like in the future, the fight might take place in the light heavyweight division. In a recent podcast, UFC veteran Kamaru Usman shared his opinion on how the fight could go. 

DDP is more well-rounded for sure. DDP has got some wrestling, he’s got some grappling, he can choke you. But that pinpoint striking of Alex Pereira, that left hand has a radar on it. Somehow, because it comes from the hip, it comes so fast, it comes so hard. I just… I wouldn’t want to see that for DDP just yet.

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Podcast 
YouTube video

DDP has proven that he can wrestle as well as hang with the best strikers. He is a big middleweight and won’t have any trouble fighting Pereira. However, going against the lethal striking of the Brazilian is a humongous task. It would be interesting to see whether the UFC is up to make the dream fight a reality.

Related: Alex Pereira Fight Record: How many defeats does “Poatan” have in his career?