For years, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira had been involved in one of combat sports’ most fierce rivalries. From kickboxing to MMA, their fights were packed with high stakes, knockouts, and personal animosity. But now, in a remarkable turn of events, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has not only reconciled with his former rival, but has also made a promise that will surprise many fight fans. So, what did he say? Well, ‘Izzy’ is now planning a trip to Pereira’s native Brazil!

In a video that Israel Adesanya uploaded on his Instagram and is now going viral on the internet, ‘Izzy’ revealed his intentions while sitting alongside ‘Poatan’ and his coach, Pilino Cruz, at UFC 312. ‘The Last Stylebender’ expressed his desire to travel to Brazil and meet Pereira’s people, although he didn’t mention if he would be doing it before or after Alex Pereira’s fight at UFC 313. “I will, I will come with you guys! When we fought, it was a carnival. After we fought, we went to the mountain, and we had some really good Brazilian barbeque. We’ll go to Brazil! I also wanna go where his people are (points to Alex Pereira), the tribes.”

His interest originates from a deep curiosity about diverse cultures. He has already shown before—for example, his visit to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi following the Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin fight. Pilino Cruz told ‘The Last Stylebender’ that the reigning light heavyweight champion is a member of one of fifteen indigenous groups that live around Brazil’s Xingu River.

These tribes, known collectively as the Xingu people, follow similar rites and ceremonies, with spirituality playing an important role in their lives. Given Israel Adesanya’s recent career struggles and introspective journey, his desire to visit Alex Pereira’s tribe may indicate a deeper search for purpose as he considers his next move in the fight game. But even if he doesn’t find a solution to beat his current poor run in the UFC, ‘Izzy’ can find comfort in the fact that fans truly love this side of him.

Fans praise Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira for finally resting their rivalry

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira were formerly bloodthirsty rivals who couldn’t help but feud all the time. But, in an unforeseen change of events, the two former adversaries have now become comrades. With Israel Adesanya’s latest promise to cement their newfound friendship by visiting Pereira’s country in Brazil and meeting his tribe, the duo has surely earned the respect of their fans as well. They responded immediately to this moment of respect between the two fighters, with many enjoying how the rivalry had blossomed into a friendship. They wrote in the comments, “Beautiful to see the two of you working together and being real men.” “I love me a feel-good redemption arc,” and “I never predicted this chapter of the story, but I’m so fkn about it.”

For some, this felt like a scene out of an anime—two formidable competitors, previously enemies, now making an alliance after pushing each other to the limit. Seeing that Israel Adesanya is a massive fan of animes, fans were quick to let him know that now he too has finally become a part of an anime arc by pulling off the impossible. Taking to the comments, they shared, “This is a real-life Goku and Vegeta alliance,” “I’d say this is like Luffy and Katakuri,” and “Naruto and Sasuke.”

While many fans were eager to see ‘The Last Stylebender’ in Brazil, many additionally suggested that Alex Pereira return the favor by visiting Nigeria. After all, who wouldn’t want the two to be the best of friends now? So, sharing their desire to see the two further solidify their friendship, the fans wrote, “Should do a documentary. Adesanya visiting Brazil, and Poatan visiting Nigeria.” “Next to Brazil 🇧🇷 and then Alex to Nigeria 🇳🇬,” and “Bring Alex to Nigeria!” What do you think of their newfound respect and love for each other? Did you ever see it coming? Let us know in the comments.