Alex Pereira, who previously held two UFC titles, conveyed a significant statement to Israel Adesanya in anticipation of Adesanya’s return bout at UFC Seattle.
Past UFC middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya aims to secure his initial win in three years when he competes against Joe Pyfer this coming Saturday at UFC Seattle. Adesanya has suffered three straight losses and has not stepped into the Octagon following a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025.
Adesanya’s most recent triumph was over the then-middleweight champion Alex Pereira, with whom he has a notable past stretching back to their days in professional kickboxing. Following three consecutive defeats (across kickboxing and MMA) to Pereira, Adesanya achieved a knockout victory over Pereira at UFC 287, a moment regarded as one of the most astonishing conclusions in UFC annals.
Notwithstanding previous animosity between Adesanya and Pereira, the two prominent UFC figures have moved past their contention, engaging in a widely circulated, amicable interaction at UFC 312 last year. Prior to UFC Seattle, Pereira penned a heartfelt homage and encouraging note to Adesanya as he endeavors to end his current losing streak.
Alex Pereira to Israel Adesanya: ‘Exhibit your finest’ at UFC Seattle
Through a recent Instagram update, Pereira conveyed an admirable sentiment to Adesanya in advance of UFC Seattle.
“This Saturday marks another fight night. I hold immense respect for Israel Adesanya — our paths crossed in the octagon, creating experiences that became integral to my personal trajectory. That defeat provided me with significant lessons; it propelled my growth not just as a competitor, but also as an individual. I developed, gained wisdom, and harnessed it as motivation to attain a superior standard both in athletics and in everyday existence,” Pereira remarked concerning Adesanya
“Irrespective of any past contention, I comprehend the significance of entering that arena — the extensive preparation, the intense demands, the personal relinquishments. Hence, I extend my wishes for an excellent bout. Enter with unwavering concentration and display your peak performance.
“Our progression continues. I’ll encounter you at the summit, CHAMA.”
Pereira intends to claim the distinction of being the UFC’s inaugural three-division titleholder when he confronts Ciryl Gane in his initial heavyweight appearance at UFC Freedom 250 this summer. The contest between Pereira and Gane is for the interim heavyweight championship, given that the undisputed champion, Tom Aspinall, is still recuperating from several eye ailments.
Concurrently, Pereira will closely monitor UFC Seattle over the coming weekend, and it appears he holds a significant supportive inclination towards Adesanya’s return bout.
What do you foresee for the outcome of Israel Adesanya versus Joe Pyfer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
