Alex Pereira is open to a third UFC fight against Israel Adesanya but is prepared to move on if Adesanya, who is on a break following a loss, does not wish to fight again.
Alex Pereira’s future in the ring is a question mark. He’s leaving the decision to Israel Adesanya. Will they clash again? Only time will tell.
Their history is a tangled web of rivalry. Pereira and Adesanya have faced off four times across kickboxing and MMA. The score? Pereira leads with two victories in kickboxing and a split in the UFC.
The UFC 281 battle was epic. Pereira snatched the middleweight title from Adesanya. But in a twist of fate, Adesanya reclaimed it at UFC 287. A third UFC fight could be the tiebreaker.
Adesanya’s next move is a mystery. He’s on a break since his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. Pereira waits, ready to move on if Adesanya stays on the sidelines.
Pereira’s not sweating it, though. He called Adesanya out post-title win. But the response? Laughter and jokes. Pereira’s over it. If Adesanya steps up, great. If not, life goes on.
Once, Adesanya mused about a fight at 205 pounds. That was on “The MMA Hour,” before Pereira’s light heavyweight triumph. Adesanya’s dreams of holding two titles were dashed in 2021, losing to Jan Blachowicz.
Now, Pereira’s the light heavyweight champ. Adesanya’s silence on a division change speaks volumes. Pereira’s cool with that.
Pereira’s gut tells him Adesanya might hesitate. After all, Adesanya’s dream win against him is a memory. Another fight? Risky. Pereira wonders if the fire’s still there.
Pereira’s philosophy is simple. He doesn’t pick his fights. The future’s a mystery. But if Adesanya wants a go, Pereira’s cage is open.
Who’s next for Pereira? The list includes ex-champ Jamahal Hill, recent victor Khalil Rountree, and others. The spotlight’s on Pereira, and he might influence the venue. Brazil, perhaps?
For Pereira, it’s all about the fight. Location is irrelevant. Yet, a Brazil bout would be special. It’s a chance to inspire, to show his roots. But ultimately, he’ll fight wherever.
At the Ares FC Q&A, Pereira and Ciryl Gane shared the stage. A playful face-off ensued. The heavyweight question loomed.
Heavyweight dreams? Not for Pereira. He’s settling into light heavyweight, feeling good. His recent win proves he’s on the right track.
Pereira’s body dictates his path. At 36, he’s adapting, evolving. If his body says “move up,” he will. But for now, light heavyweight is home.