Kamaru Usman doesn’t mince words with friend Israel Adesanya over not fighting Alex Pereira

UFC veteran Kamaru Usman mocks former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya over his rivalry with Alex Pereira.

Kamaru Usman doesn’t mince words with friend Israel Adesanya over not fighting Alex Pereira

Kamaru Usman reminds Israel Adesanya about his rivalry against Alex Pereira (via X/Imago)

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira shared a legendary rivalry that spanned across two combat sports, thrilling fans around the world. Their saga began in kickboxing, where Pereira handed Adesanya two defeats, including a devastating knockout that left a lasting impression. Pereira eventually transitioned into the UFC, following Adesanya’s path with intentions of conquering him once again inside the octagon.

Though Adesanya finally earned revenge with a stunning knockout, Pereira still holds more overall victories in their intense head-to-head rivalry. Izzy was recently on a Podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, talking about his contentment with his revenge. However, Usman was quick to make a sneaky comment on Izzy’s claims and questioned the fairness of the situation. 

That’s not fair. You can’t make me play this game 4 or 5 times, then when you finally beat me, you’re like, ‘Yeah, I’m done.’

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Podcast 

Usman and Adesanya share a deep relationship and used to represent African dominance during their prime years. Since then, they often joke with each other and this time both burst into laughing hysterically. However, the former middleweight champion did have his reasoning to end the rivalry and not fight again.

I just needed to get one. You’ve got no one to hold him, no one to fold him, also he’s a hard fight! He knows Imma a hard fight! I’m not scared to fight the guy, it’s a hard fight, I know. I’m in for it, he knows the same thing. I finally got what I needed to get from that saga. 

Israel Adesanya replied.

Since then, both fighters have moved on and now share a respectful relationship built on mutual admiration and shared history. They’ve been spotted sitting together at UFC events, showing support for each other’s performances with genuine appreciation and friendship. However, during the height of their intense rivalry, emotions ran high, and respect was buried beneath tension and competitiveness.

When Israel Adesanya mocked Alex Pereira’s son 

At UFC 287, Israel Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira and mocked his son by collapsing, imitating a past mocking gesture. Before that, he had his iconic celebration of shooting three arrows towards a helpless Pereira on the canvas. Pereira’s son had mocked Izzy years earlier at Glory of Heroes 7 after Pereira’s knockout victory in their kickboxing bout.

Israel Adesanya, after knocking out Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya, after knocking out Alex Pereira (via X)

Adesanya waited years for payback, choosing UFC 287’s emotional moment to symbolically return the favor in front of the crowd. Though controversial, Adesanya later explained it as emotional release, finally conquering his greatest rival after years of pain and buildup. After the bout, ‘Poatan’ addressed the situation but didn’t hold any grudge against Izzy.

I think it’s funny. I did that, I knocked him out the night I won the belt and my kid wanted to do the same thing up there. I said to him, ‘No – stop. Don’t do it. Stay here and don’t do anything.’ I’m a conscious guy and everything. I’m saying I wouldn’t do it. If (Adesanya) did it and felt better that way, okay. It’s a relief he had and if he thinks it’s better for him, okay. That won’t change anything for me.

Alex Pereira via his YouTube channel 

After the loss, Pereira moved up and continued his dominance in the light heavyweight division by becoming the champion. He defended the belt three times in a single year all by knockouts, before losing it to Magomed Ankalaev via decision. Going forward, the Brazilian is ready to get his revenge and reclaim his title from the Russian. 

On the other hand, Adesanya has had a drastic downfall, losing his title and then three fights in a row. His last outing was against top middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov, where he lost via TKO. Recent reports suggested that the ‘Last Stylebender’ is currently eyeing a rematch against former rival Sean Strickland.

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