What’s the most enticing rivalry in modern-day UFC, you ask? It’s arguably a matchup between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira. The two have fought each other for years in kickboxing and MMA. The record stands at 1-3 with Alex Pereira leading Adesanya by a significant margin. Their rivalry began back in their formative kickboxing. Back in 2016, the revered rivals fought for the first time. For the world, it was just another fight. However, later on, it turned into one of the most epic fight sagas in MMA history.

After fighting twice in the UFC, both fighters now compete in different divisions. A question that’s been on the minds of fans is: Will Adesanya and Pereira fight again? Both fighters are looking to maintain their legacies within the promotion. Although the Brazilian holds a lopsided lead in their rivalry, both fighters are tied in MMA under the UFC banner. With their fighting days near its end rather than its beginning, fans are eager to witness another bout. However, the reality is that they may never fight each other again.

While having a conversation with Joe Rogan on ‘JRE MMAShow #164,’ the former middleweight champion emphasized that as he might not fight Alex Pereira ever again, “I love that story for myself, and I’m happy. People still go, “Oh, when you’re the third one?” I’m like, “Look, I do it again. I [ __ ] knock them out.” Oh no, okay, now it’s 3-2. We got the best out of seven, right? I’m not fighting for anyone else. I only have so much left in this game. I’m not going to spend this game fighting.”

He further added, “I go. I don’t know how long is left, but I just know I’m definitely on the other side of my career. So I want to get these fights out the way, and now I’m not champ anymore in the UFC. So I just, I’m in this situation where what do I do? I know I want to fight, though.”

Despite their epic rivalry, both fighters share a mutual respect for each other. Pereira has repeatedly asserted that Adesanya is one of the toughest fighters he has ever faced, while the former middleweight champion has recently shown great respect toward ‘Poatan.’

Israel Adesanya wants Alex Pereira to stay undefeated

Alex Pereira is preparing himself to face Khalil Rountree Jr to defend his light-heavyweight title for the third time this year at Salt Lake City, Utah. Well, ahead of his highly anticipated bout against ‘War Horse’, Adesanya had some kind words for his nemesis. Looking forward to the clash, Israel Adesanya has come forward to assert that he would like to witness his former rival remain undefeated.

“I just think ‘Poatan’ is just on a f**king tear right now, he’s just too too good. Bro, I hope he retires undefeated like not undefeated but you know like the rest of his career”¦’I beat that n***a one time!’” said Adesanya as he talked about the UFC 307 card. The fighter further predicted ‘Poatan’s victory at the bout, “Just off the cuff, I’ll go Pereira because [of] momentum right now, Rountree doesn’t grapple. He likes to kickbox, he’s never gone for a takedown. If you’re going to do that with Pereira ”¦ and I’m the only one who has ever rocked him, or stood with him in the UFC, everyone else, he’s washed.”

Their epic rivalry might have tested their mettle in the game but the respect they have for each other is still astute. Regardless, what’s your take on the comments? State your thoughts in the comments below.