“It’s Absolutely in the Back of Your Mind”- Veteran Referee Discussed a Major Psychological Hurdle for Israel Adesanya Ahead of Alex Pereira Rematch

After suffering a heartbreaking third career loss to Alex Pereira, Israel Adesanya has a shot at redemption. ‘Stylebender’ will face ‘Poatan’ at UFC 287 in April in a rematch for the middleweight title. However, having fallen to the same foe on three separate occasions, Adesanya may have to face his inner demons before facing Pereira for a fourth time.

This was a topic of discussion between retired UFC lightweight and former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson‘s conversation with veteran referee John McCarthy. The pair discussed the Adesanya-Pereira rematch during the latest episode of their show ‘Weighing In.’ While Adesanya said the loss was freeing for him, McCarthy and Thomson believed otherwise.

The MMA veterans discussed several hot topics, including recently announced fights like Masvidal vs. Burns, the UFC 287 card, and the Conor McGregor – Tony Ferguson TUF talks. Coming to Adesanya vs. Pereira II, they discussed the big psychological hurdle that lay before Adesanya.

John McCarthy outlines the psychological hurdle before Israel Adesanya

Talking about the rematch, Thomson predicted Adesanya to get the job done. He also felt the former champion would come in better shape and wrestle more. In response, McCarthy highlighted another paramount aspect of preparation that ‘Stylebender’ had to do.

He said, “A guy beats you. Now the first one, in kickboxing, you look at it and you go, “I don’t think I lost it.” Okay. But then he goes, and he starches you. So you got that loss. And there’s nothing you can say. It happens. And then you have an MMA fight and you’re doing well. And puts you out again. Tell me it’s not in the back of your mind… You know it is.”

Thomson responded, saying, “It’s absolutely in the back of your mind, John. But what’s also in the back of my mind is, you remember, I think at the end of round 2, where I had you on stilts and you were saved by the bell. Do you remember that?”

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However, the 60-year-old veteran referee pointed out how Pereira survived what Adesanya could not. Meanwhile, Thomson expected Adesanya to focus on the fact that he was outclassing Pereira for that entire fight at UFC 281. He believed the confidence from that performance would help ‘Izzy’ mentally.

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Do you agree with McCarthy or Thomson? Do you think the weight of the three losses will adversely affect Adesanya? And what are your predictions for their match at UFC 287? Let us know in the comments below.