The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira is one of the most compelling narratives in modern mixed martial arts (MMA). Spanning multiple promotions, continents, and combat sports, their saga has captivated fans with its intensity, drama, and high-stakes encounters. From their kickboxing clashes in Glory Kickboxing to their blockbuster UFC fights, Adesanya vs. Pereira is a story of resilience, redemption, and relentless pursuit of supremacy.
This article delves into their rivalry, covering their history, fight breakdowns, fan reactions, and the latest updates as of May 19, 2025, while addressing popular Google questions and incorporating insights from recent online discussions.
The Origins of the Rivalry: Kickboxing Roots
Israel Adesanya, known as “The Stylebender,” and Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan” (meaning “Stone Hand” in his native Tupi language), first crossed paths in the world of kickboxing under the Glory Kickboxing banner. Their initial encounters set the stage for a rivalry that would later define their MMA careers.
First Fight: Glory of Heroes 1, 2016
The first fight took place on April 2, 2016, at Glory of Heroes 1 in Shenzhen, China. Adesanya, a rising star with a flashy, creative striking style, faced Pereira, a powerhouse known for his devastating left hook and technical prowess. Pereira won the fight via unanimous decision, leveraging his physicality and pressure to outpoint Adesanya over three rounds. This loss marked the beginning of Adesanya’s quest to overcome Pereira, a challenge that would haunt him for years.
Second Fight: Glory of Heroes 7, 2017
Their rematch occurred on October 28, 2017, at Glory of Heroes 7 in São Paulo, Brazil. This time, the stakes were higher, as Pereira was defending his Glory middleweight title. The fight was a brutal affair, with Pereira’s relentless pressure culminating in a third-round knockout via his signature left hook. This defeat was a significant setback for Adesanya, who later described it as a moment that fueled his determination to evolve as a fighter.
These kickboxing bouts established Pereira as Adesanya’s nemesis, holding a 2-0 record over him. However, Adesanya’s transition to MMA and his meteoric rise in the UFC would set the stage for their rivalry to continue on a global stage.
The UFC Showdowns: A New Chapter
The rivalry transitioned to MMA when both fighters joined the UFC, with Adesanya becoming the middleweight champion and Pereira making a rapid ascent to challenge him. Their UFC fights are among the most analyzed and discussed in recent MMA history, with each encounter adding layers to their storied competition.
UFC 281: Pereira’s Comeback Victory
On November 12, 2022, at UFC 281 in Madison Square Garden, New York City, Adesanya and Pereira met for the first time in the UFC octagon. Adesanya was the reigning middleweight champion, riding a wave of dominance with a 12-0 UFC record in the division. Pereira, a relatively new UFC fighter with only three fights in the promotion, earned his title shot with devastating knockouts over opponents like Sean Strickland.
The fight was a back-and-forth battle. Adesanya showcased his superior footwork and striking creativity, landing significant shots and appearing to lead on the scorecards. However, Pereira’s durability and power shone through in the fifth round. A flurry of strikes, including his trademark left hook, rocked Adesanya, leading to a TKO stoppage by referee Marc Goddard. This victory gave Pereira the UFC middleweight title and a 3-0 lead over Adesanya across their combat sports encounters.
The stoppage was controversial, with some fans and analysts arguing it was premature, as Adesanya appeared to be defending himself. Adesanya himself expressed frustration but accepted the loss with grace, vowing to reclaim the title. A post on X captured this sentiment: “Adesanya wasn’t happy with the stoppage when he lost against Alex Pereira but guess what? He didn’t complain, he moved on then knocked him out in the rematch.”
UFC 287: Adesanya’s Redemption
The rematch at UFC 287 on April 8, 2023, in Miami, Florida, is considered one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. Adesanya, determined to erase the stigma of his losses to Pereira, entered the fight with a refined game plan. Pereira, confident in his ability to overpower Adesanya, aimed to solidify his reign as champion.
The first round saw Pereira dominate with leg kicks and pressure, but Adesanya adjusted in the second round. As Pereira pressed forward, Adesanya countered with a perfectly timed right hook, followed by a hammer fist that knocked Pereira out cold at 4:21 of Round 2. The knockout was a defining moment, marking Adesanya’s first victory over Pereira and reclaiming the middleweight title.
Adesanya’s post-fight celebration, mimicking archery gestures as a nod to Pereira’s Tupi heritage, sparked debate. Some viewed it as disrespectful, while others saw it as a natural expression of triumph after years of chasing redemption. The knockout garnered millions of views on YouTube, with highlight videos titled “Adesanya’s Insane KO of Pereira” and “The Stylebender’s Revenge” trending heavily.
UFC 305: The Aftermath and Pereira’s Light Heavyweight Move
Following UFC 287, Pereira vacated the middleweight division and moved to light heavyweight (205 pounds), where he captured the UFC light heavyweight title. Adesanya, after losing the middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis in 2023, continued to compete at middleweight but expressed openness to moving up to face Pereira again. Their paths have not crossed in the octagon since UFC 287, but the possibility of a trilogy fight remains a hot topic.
As of May 19, 2025, no third UFC fight has been confirmed, but fan interest remains high. Pereira’s success at light heavyweight, including defenses against fighters like Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree, has solidified his status as a two-division champion. Adesanya, meanwhile, has been campaigning for another middleweight title shot while teasing a potential move to 205 pounds.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Adesanya-Pereira rivalry has dominated MMA discussions on platforms like YouTube, X, and Reddit. YouTube highlight videos of their UFC fights have amassed millions of views, with comment sections filled with debates about their skills, the stoppage at UFC 281, and the potential for a trilogy. A popular sentiment on X reflects Adesanya’s resilience: “He didn’t complain, he moved on then knocked him out in the rematch.”
On Reddit, fans speculate about a third UFC fight, with some suggesting a catchweight bout at 195 pounds to bridge the gap between middleweight and light heavyweight. Others argue that Pereira’s size advantage at 205 makes a trilogy less likely unless Adesanya commits to the heavier division. YouTube reaction channels, such as MMA On Point and The Weasel, have produced in-depth breakdowns of their fights, praising Adesanya’s adaptability and Pereira’s knockout power.
The Cultural Impact of the Rivalry
Beyond the octagon, Adesanya and Pereira have become cultural icons. Adesanya, a Nigerian-New Zealander, draws inspiration from anime and pop culture, infusing his persona with charisma and flair. Pereira, a Brazilian with Indigenous Tupi heritage, embodies resilience and pride, representing his community on a global stage. Their rivalry transcends sport, symbolizing the clash of two warriors with distinct backgrounds and philosophies.
YouTube has been a key platform for their cultural impact, with fight highlights, press conferences, and fighter breakdowns generating millions of views. Adesanya’s “Ode to Omo Oba” promo for UFC 287, where he narrated his journey to defeat Pereira, is one of the most-watched UFC promotional videos, with over 5 million views. Pereira’s post-fight interviews, where he speaks about his Tupi roots, have resonated with Brazilian fans, boosting his popularity.
Latest Updates as of May 2025
As of May 19, 2025, the MMA community is abuzz with speculation about a potential trilogy fight. Recent developments include:
Adesanya’s Campaign: Adesanya is coming off a loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024, where he failed to reclaim the middleweight title. He has since expressed interest in either another title shot or a move to light heavyweight to face Pereira. In a recent YouTube interview, Adesanya stated, “Poatan and I have unfinished business. I’d love to run it back at 205 or a catchweight.”
Pereira’s Dominance: Pereira has solidified his reign as light heavyweight champion, defending his title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 in October 2024. His performances have drawn comparisons to legends like Jon Jones, with analysts praising his adaptability in MMA.
UFC’s Stance: Dana White, in a 2025 press conference, acknowledged the demand for a trilogy, saying, “Fans want Adesanya-Pereira 3. It’s a money fight, but we need to figure out the weight class.” The UFC’s focus on blockbuster matchups makes a trilogy likely, possibly at UFC 310 or 311 in late 2025 or early 2026.
Fan Sentiment: Posts on X and YouTube comments reflect excitement for a trilogy, with fans divided on who would win. Some believe Adesanya’s speed and counter striking give him the edge, while others point to Pereira’s power and improved grappling as decisive factors.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Adesanya-Pereira rivalry is a testament to the drama and excitement of combat sports. From their kickboxing clashes to their UFC epics, each fight has delivered unforgettable moments, from Pereira’s shocking TKO to Adesanya’s stunning knockout. As of May 2025, the MMA world eagerly awaits a potential trilogy, with both fighters at the peak of their powers. Whether at middleweight, light heavyweight, or a catchweight, Adesanya vs. Pereira 3 promises to be a defining chapter in their legacy.
This rivalry has transcended the octagon, capturing the imagination of fans through YouTube highlights, social media debates, and endless analysis. As Adesanya and Pereira continue to evolve, their story remains a compelling narrative of perseverance, skill, and the pursuit of greatness. Stay tuned for updates, as the next chapter could be just around the corner.
FAQs
Who Won Adesanya vs. Pereira?
Across their four fights (two in kickboxing, two in MMA), the record stands at 3-1 in Pereira’s favor. Pereira won both kickboxing bouts (unanimous decision in 2016, knockout in 2017) and their first UFC fight at UFC 281 (TKO in 2022). Adesanya secured a knockout victory in their rematch at UFC 287 in 2023. The MMA record is split 1-1, fueling speculation about a trilogy fight.
How Many Times Have Adesanya and Pereira Fought?
Adesanya and Pereira have fought four times twice in Glory Kickboxing (2016 and 2017) and twice in the UFC (2022 and 2023). Their rivalry spans nearly a decade, with each fight showcasing their evolving skills and strategies.
Will There Be a Third UFC Fight?
As of May 2025, no third UFC fight has been scheduled, but both fighters and UFC president Dana White have acknowledged fan interest. Adesanya has hinted at moving to light heavyweight to challenge Pereira, stating in a 2024 interview, “If I go to 205, it’s to settle the score with Poatan.” Pereira, in a recent YouTube interview, expressed willingness to fight Adesanya again, saying, “If the UFC wants it, I’m ready.” The weight class remains a hurdle, as Adesanya prefers middleweight, while Pereira is established at light heavyweight.
Why Did Adesanya’s Celebration Cause Controversy?
Adesanya’s archery celebration after knocking out Pereira at UFC 287 sparked mixed reactions. Some fans viewed it as a taunt directed at Pereira’s Brazilian heritage, while others defended it as a theatrical expression of victory. Adesanya clarified on social media that it was a nod to his nickname, “Omo Oba” (King’s Son), and his warrior persona, not a personal attack. The moment remains a popular topic on YouTube, with reaction videos garnering thousands of comments.
What Are Their Fighting Styles Like?
Adesanya is known for his fluid, technical striking, blending kickboxing with MMA-specific grappling defense. His movement, feints, and precision make him a difficult target. Pereira, conversely, is a power striker with a devastating left hook and strong clinch game. In MMA, he’s added grappling skills, as seen in his guillotine choke attempts at light heavyweight. Their contrasting styles Adesanya’s finesse versus Pereira’s raw power make their fights visually spectacular.
In Summary
The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira stands as one of the most electrifying sagas in combat sports history. Spanning both kickboxing and MMA, their clashes have delivered stunning knockouts, emotional storylines, and unforgettable moments. With a combined record of 3-1 in Pereira’s favor but a 1-1 tie in the UFC octagon their legacy is forever intertwined.
Though Pereira has since moved up to dominate the light heavyweight division, the door remains slightly ajar for a future trilogy in MMA. Whether or not they meet again, the intensity, respect, and drama of Adesanya vs. Pereira will be remembered as one of the defining rivalries of modern mixed martial arts.
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