The rivalry between Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya and Alex “Poatan” Pereira has captivated the combat sports world, transcending mere competition to become a compelling narrative of skill, history, and intense personal animosity. Their story, which began in the kickboxing ring and dramatically unfolded in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon, remains a hot topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. As of May 2025, while there isn’t a newly announced fight between the two, the echoes of their past encounters and the potential for a future clash continue to fuel speculation and excitement across platforms like YouTube and Google. This article delves into the history of their rivalry, the outcomes of their fights, the stylistic matchups, and addresses the key questions and discussions surrounding this enthralling saga.
A Rivalry Forged in Kickboxing
The genesis of the Adesanya vs. Pereira rivalry lies not in mixed martial arts, but in the striking world of kickboxing. Pereira, a decorated kickboxer with a reputation for his devastating knockout power, crossed paths with the then-rising star Adesanya. They faced each other twice under the Glory Kickboxing banner, establishing a foundation for their future encounters.
Their first kickboxing bout took place at Glory of Heroes 7 in April 2016. Pereira emerged victorious by unanimous decision, showcasing his technical striking and ability to control the distance against Adesanya. This initial defeat marked a significant point in Adesanya’s kickboxing career.
Their paths crossed again at Glory 15: SuperFight Series in March 2017. This second encounter ended even more decisively, with Pereira knocking out Adesanya with his signature left hook in the third round. These two victories gave Pereira a significant psychological edge and a 2-0 lead in their overall combat sports head-to-head. Discussions on YouTube often revisit these kickboxing fights, analyzing the techniques and strategies employed by both fighters and foreshadowing their eventual MMA clashes.
The Transition to the UFC and the Middleweight Throne
Both Adesanya and Pereira eventually transitioned to mixed martial arts and found their way to the UFC. Adesanya’s rise in the middleweight division was meteoric. With his unique striking style, fluid movement, and charismatic personality, he quickly became a fan favorite and captured the UFC Middleweight Championship in October 2019, defeating Robert Whittaker. He went on to defend the title five times against formidable opponents, establishing himself as a dominant force in the division.
Pereira’s journey to the UFC was also closely watched, partly due to his history with Adesanya. His knockout power translated effectively to MMA, and he quickly racked up impressive victories, hinting at a potential collision course with the reigning champion. The narrative of a former kickboxing rival challenging the established king of the middleweight division created immense anticipation among fans. YouTube was flooded with highlight reels comparing their striking styles and speculating on how their kickboxing history would influence an MMA fight.
The UFC Encounters: A Shift in Dynamics
The inevitable matchup between Adesanya and Pereira finally materialized in the UFC. Their rivalry in the octagon has been nothing short of dramatic, marked by high stakes and thrilling finishes.
UFC 281: Pereira Captures the Crown (November 12, 2022)
Their first MMA encounter headlined UFC 281 in New York City for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Adesanya controlled the majority of the fight with his striking, utilizing his jab and leg kicks to keep Pereira at bay. However, Pereira’s resilience and power remained a constant threat. In the fifth and final round, with Adesanya seemingly on his way to a decision victory, Pereira unleashed a flurry of strikes, culminating in a TKO stoppage to capture the middleweight title. This dramatic comeback victory sent shockwaves through the MMA world and ignited a new chapter in their rivalry. YouTube immediately exploded with reactions, fight breakdowns, and debates about the stoppage.
UFC 287: Adesanya Reclaims His Throne (April 8, 2023)
Adesanya immediately invoked his rematch clause, leading to a highly anticipated clash at UFC 287 in Miami. This time, Adesanya showcased a more aggressive and decisive approach. While Pereira had his moments, Adesanya countered effectively and landed a devastating right hand in the second round, knocking out Pereira and reclaiming the UFC Middleweight Championship. This victory not only avenged his previous loss but also evened their MMA score at 1-1. The knockout, delivered with precision and power, became an instant highlight reel sensation, dissected and celebrated across numerous YouTube channels. Adesanya’s post-fight emotional celebration and his words about Pereira added another layer to the personal nature of their rivalry.
Stylistic Breakdown and Key Differences
The Adesanya vs. Pereira matchups are compelling due to their contrasting yet equally dangerous striking styles.
Israel Adesanya: Known for his elusive movement, diverse striking arsenal (including kicks, knees, and punches from various angles), and tactical brilliance. He excels at controlling distance, utilizing feints, and exploiting openings in his opponents’ defense. His background in kickboxing and his adaptability to MMA rules have made him a formidable striker.
Alex Pereira: Possesses exceptional knockout power, particularly in his left hook. He has a more traditional kickboxing stance and relies on his heavy hands and powerful leg kicks to inflict damage. His ability to absorb punishment and his unwavering confidence make him a constant threat, capable of ending a fight at any moment.
In their MMA fights, Adesanya initially utilized his technical striking and movement to outpoint Pereira. However, Pereira’s power proved to be the equalizer in their first encounter. In the rematch, Adesanya adjusted his strategy, displaying more aggression and ultimately landing the decisive blow. YouTube fight breakdowns often analyze how each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses match up against the other, examining their footwork, striking combinations, and defensive strategies.
Current Standings and Future Possibilities (May 2025)
As of May 2025, the landscape of the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight divisions has evolved.
Israel Adesanya: After reclaiming the middleweight title against Pereira, Adesanya successfully defended it against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023. However, he suffered a surprising defeat to Strickland in a dominant unanimous decision, losing his title once again. Following this loss, Adesanya has taken some time away from active competition, with no immediate fight announcements as of May 2025. His future in the middleweight division remains a significant topic of discussion, with many speculating about his potential return and possible matchups.
Alex Pereira: Following his loss to Adesanya in the rematch, Pereira made a successful move up to the light heavyweight division. He defeated former champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC 291 in July 2023 via split decision and then captured the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Jiří Procházka via TKO at UFC 295 in November 2023. Pereira has since defended his light heavyweight title twice. He defeated Jamahal Hill by knockout at UFC 300 in April 2024 and most recently secured a unanimous decision victory against Magomed Ankalaev at a Fight Night event in March 2025. Pereira’s success at light heavyweight has added another layer of intrigue to the possibility of a future fight with Adesanya, potentially at a higher weight class.
The question of whether Adesanya and Pereira will cross paths for a third time in MMA is a constant subject of debate on YouTube and Google. Factors influencing this potential trilogy fight include:
Adesanya’s Return: When and if Adesanya decides to return to active competition will be a crucial factor. His performance upon his return and his aspirations for regaining the middleweight title or potentially moving to light heavyweight will shape future matchups.
Weight Class: The weight class at which a potential third MMA fight would occur is uncertain. Adesanya has primarily competed at middleweight, while Pereira is now the light heavyweight champion. A potential fight at light heavyweight would present a new set of challenges and dynamics.
Title Implications: The presence of a title on the line would undoubtedly add significant stakes to a potential third fight. Whether it would be for the middleweight or light heavyweight championship remains to be seen.
Fan Demand: The intense interest and compelling narrative surrounding their rivalry ensure that a third fight would be a massive event, likely generating significant pay-per-view numbers and online engagement.
The Enduring Appeal of the Rivalry
The Adesanya vs. Pereira saga resonates deeply with fans due to several compelling factors:
Authentic Animosity: There is a genuine sense of rivalry and personal stakes between the two fighters, stemming from their kickboxing history and intensifying through their MMA encounters.
Contrasting Styles: The clash of Adesanya’s technical finesse against Pereira’s raw power makes for captivating matchups with unpredictable outcomes.
High Stakes: Both fights have involved the UFC Middleweight Championship, adding significant weight and drama to their encounters.
Dramatic Finishes: Both of their MMA fights ended in spectacular knockouts, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Unresolved Questions: With each fighter holding a victory in MMA, the desire for a definitive conclusion to their rivalry remains strong.
FAQs
How many times have Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira fought?
They have faced each other four times: twice in kickboxing and twice in MMA. Pereira leads the overall series 3-1, with two kickboxing victories and one MMA win, while Adesanya secured a decisive MMA victory in their latest bout.
What were the outcomes of their kickboxing matches?
In their first kickboxing encounter in 2016, Pereira won by unanimous decision. The rematch in 2017 saw Pereira deliver a stunning knockout, leaving Adesanya visibly shaken and requiring medical attention.
How did their MMA bouts unfold?
Their first MMA clash occurred at UFC 281 in November 2022. Adesanya was leading on the scorecards but succumbed to a fifth-round TKO by Pereira. In the rematch at UFC 287 in April 2023, Adesanya reclaimed his middleweight title with a second-round knockout.
What is the significance of their rivalry?
Their rivalry is emblematic of the fine margins in elite combat sports. It highlights the psychological and tactical battles that accompany physical confrontations, with each fighter adapting and evolving to overcome the other.
Are there any notable moments outside the fights?
Yes, after Pereira’s 2017 kickboxing win, his son mocked Adesanya by mimicking a knockout. Adesanya returned the gesture after his 2023 UFC victory, pointing to Pereira’s son and collapsing theatrically, symbolizing a full-circle moment in their rivalry.
What are their current standings in the UFC?
As of May 2025, Alex Pereira is the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, having defended his title multiple times. Israel Adesanya has experienced a mix of victories and defeats, including a notable loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305.
Is a fifth fight between them likely?
While both fighters have expressed mutual respect and have even been seen together at events, the possibility of a fifth bout remains uncertain. Factors such as weight class differences and individual career trajectories play significant roles in determining future matchups.
To conclude
The saga between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira transcends the confines of the ring, embodying the essence of competitive spirit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Their encounters have not only provided fans with unforgettable moments but have also elevated the standards of combat sports.
From their early days in kickboxing to their high-stakes UFC battles, both fighters have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and tenacity. Adesanya’s journey from a promising kickboxer to a UFC champion, and Pereira’s transition from kickboxing dominance to MMA stardom, underscore their dedication and evolution as athletes.
Their rivalry is a testament to the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where preparation meets opportunity, and where every bout can redefine legacies. As they continue their respective paths, the echoes of their past confrontations will undoubtedly influence their futures, serving as both motivation and cautionary tales.
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