November 12, 2023 10:15 am ET
NEW YORK – Alex Pereira believes he’s nonetheless acquired a rating to settle with Israel Adesanya, plus he’s additionally acquired a favor to return.
The newly topped UFC mild heavyweight champion referred to as for a trilogy bout towards Adesanya after he defeated Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 295 on Saturday. Pereira (9-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) stopped Prochazka (29-4-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) by TKO within the second spherical of their struggle for the vacant title.
Instantly after the win in his post-fight interview, Pereira mentioned, ‘Adesanya, Come to daddy.’ This caught many unexpectedly as Adesanya is taking a break from MMA, and Jamahal Hill, who was the earlier champion at 205 kilos however needed to vacate the title as a result of harm, is anticipated to be the following challenger.
Pereira was requested bout his ideas on Hill on the UFC 295 post-event information convention, however he dismissed the query and insisted on the Adesanya trilogy.
“I meant what I mentioned over there,” Pereira advised reporters by an interpreter. “I believe I owe this to Adesanya. He motivated me first, and the entire thing with him staying out all this time till 2027, I believe it’s a waste of expertise. I believe I can convey him again.” Pereira desires the Adesanya struggle partially as a result of he desires to remain energetic and doesn’t suppose Hill will likely be able to struggle for some time. Nonetheless, if that struggle does go down, will probably be simply one other bout for the Brazilian. There’s nothing private with Hill, regardless of Hill beating his mentor, Glover Teixeira, earlier this 12 months.
“Many individuals requested me, ‘Hey, do you need to avenge Glover towards Jiri,’ and I made it very clear I don’t convey that emotion within the octagon as a result of I do know what I’ve to do, and I’ve the whole lot deliberate and skilled for,” Pereira mentioned. “I care about Glover loads, however a struggle is a struggle. I might’ve come out with the loss tonight, however I acquired to win.”
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