Alex Pereira’s two-time UFC rival, Israel Adesanya, is fired up to see his former foe’s pursuit of history.
Former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira will look to become the promotion’s first three-division titleholder this weekend when he faces Ciryl Gane in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event. Pereira and Gane will fight for the interim UFC heavyweight championship amidst Tom Aspinall’s uncertain timeline for a return to the Octagon.
Pereira’s quick ascent could culminate in one of the greatest accomplishments by any combat sports athlete this weekend. Despite just a handful of MMA experiences under his belt, Pereira is on the verge of the UFC GOAT conversation.
When Pereira won his first UFC title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, Pereira and Adesanya shared one of the sport’s most heated rivalries, stemming from their previous kickboxing battles. Now, their relationship has come full circle, and Adesanya is pulling for Pereira this weekend.
Israel Adesanya compares Alex Pereira’s third title win to ‘climbing Everest’
In a recent video uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, Adesanya shared his prediction for the UFC White House co-main event featuring his former adversary.
“I think Pereira’s going to take the center straight away, Gane will be on the outside…Pereira’s evolving as an athlete, constantly, and I think Pereira is just going to do what he does. as he did to Ankalaev, but not 100 percent full attack,” Adesanya said of Pereira.
“I want to see Alex do it. I honestly think it’ll be good for the sport, great for him to achieve something that’s never even been attempted. It’s like the first person climbing Everest. People can think whatever they want, but I know some people don’t understand what it’s like to root for someone you’ve competed against. It’s not about me, it’s bigger than me, it’s history.
“To see someone achieve this, and you played a part in helping them get there. It’s f****** cool,” Adesanya continued. “I want Alex to get it done, and I really believe he’s going to get it done. It’s just destiny.”
What is your prediction for Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane? Let us know in the comments!
