“I like Alex, it’s the Poatards…” Israel Adesanya gets real about relationship with rival Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya reflects on rivalry with Alex Pereira on the MIGHTYCAST podcast.

“I like Alex, it’s the Poatards…” Israel Adesanya gets real about relationship with rival Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya respects Alex Pereira (Image via: IMAGO)

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira have a storied rivalry that spanned across two combat sports. After plying their trade at Glory Kickboxing, they achieved considerable success in the UFC. Despite their intense rivalry, they have a mutually respectful relationship despite the language barrier.

Adesanya was a recent guest on the MIGHTYCAST podcast with Demetrious Johnson, where he talked about the rivalry. Johnson is no stranger to rivalries as he has had it with Joseph Benavidez, John Dodson, Henry Cejudo, and more recently, Adriano Moraes. As such, Adesanya talked about his rivalry with ‘Poatan.’

I like Alex [Pereira]. It's the Poatards that they're fu**ing [shows mentally retard*d sign]...I respect him, and 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, and I'll always respect him. And 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 podcast
YouTube video

Adesanya compared his fights with Pereira to that of Kelvin Gastelum. Before Izzy fought Pereira in the UFC, his toughest fight was against Gastelum. In the fight against the Mexican-American fighter, Adesanya engaged in a five-round war and became the interim middleweight champion.

FS Video

Rumors speculate Adesanya will return to the octagon at UFC 305 against the champion Dricus Du Plessis. Even though he lost his last fight, his star power and rivalry with Du Plessis have likely swayed the promotion to make the fight. Meanwhile, one can expect Pereira to return as soon as possible after earning a quick knockout win at UFC 300.

Israel Adesanya speaks on Alex Pereira’s quick recovery

Nobody knows more about competitor Alex Pereira than Israel Adesanya does. They have fought under bright light four times, and a fifth might happen, though chances are low.

Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya
Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya (Source: Twitter/IMAGO)

One thing Adesanya is in awe of Pereira is the latter’s quick recovery from devastating blows. The Last Stylebender spoke of it in his recent appearance on the MIGHTYCAST podcast.

He can recover well man...I think so not even just physiologically, I think spiritually there's something behind him that's why his whole ritual and stuff.
Israel Adesanya via MIGHTYCAST podcast

Nonetheless, Adesanya did not give Pereira any time to recover in their last outing, which the Kiwi won via second-round knockout. Even though he is 1-3 overall against the Brazilian, the latest victory has given him bragging rights.

https://twitter.com/GladiatorHub/status/1780589704506720508

Before the victory, Adesanya had hurt Pereira in their second kickboxing matchup and their first MMA matchup. However, Pereira came back later to finish Adesanya on both occasions. If the stars align, fight fans could get the chance to watch Pereira and Adesanya settle the scores one more time.

In case you missed it!