Two former rivals, Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, have decided to come together and train together despite their long-term rivalry.
The Nigerian fighter has been going through a rough patch in his career as he recently suffered his third consecutive loss. Adesanya faced Nassourdine Imavov at the UFC Saudi Arabia earlier this month and lost the battle. Since then, it’s been uncertain what the fighter has planned for his career moving forward. Many fans and fighters have said Adesanya is past his prime and should consider retiring, but light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira still has hope for the fighter.
“Poatan” is set to face Magomed Ankalaev at the UFC 313 and has extended an offer to train with Adesanya. The two were both in attendance at the UFC 312 and were photographed seated side by side with each other, and Adesanya revealed what the fighter said to him during this time.
“Let’s get together, let’s make this partnership happen. We have a lot to show you, and you have a lot to show [me]. Chama, good to see you, brother.”
Although it is unconfirmed yet, there is a possibility that Adesanya will take Pereira up on his offer. The Niogerian-Kiwi fighter admitted to seeing himself training with Pereira in the future.
“Yeah, definitely down the road…” Israel Adesanya stated earlier this year. “Yeah, eventually it will, but right now it’s not that time. He lives so far away, the opportunity hasn’t arisen. We still have guys like Carlos [Ulberg] in the trenches, working hard, getting ready for his next fight so he can become a No. 1 contender. I’ll always respect ‘Poatan.’ He’s a guy that we already understood this. We’ve already shared this with each other, so yeah, it will happen one day. Who knows when.”
“God blessed me with a great opponent like Alex Pereira. He blessed me with a great challenge like that. And it’s easy to say that now on this side. But f**k, you know, it takes a lot to take on that man and I always knew that we would have history, and I always knew I could best him. And I’m glad God blessed me with that challenge to be able to rise to the occasion.”
Adesanya has a long history with Pereira, having faced him four times in his career – twice in the UFC and twice before that in kickboxing. ‘Poatan’ holds three victories over Adesanya, but in their most recent fight, ‘The Last Stylebender’ emerged victorious.
