The rivalry between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya is one of the most compelling in UFC history, spanning seven years and two combat sports. But for those asking “Who Won Alex Pereira Vs Israel Adesanya?”, the answer is complex and requires a look at their entire fight history. This article breaks down their history, providing a definitive answer to who ultimately came out on top.
Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya face off (UFC 287).
The Early Chapters: Glory of Heroes
Their story began in the kickboxing world, long before the UFC octagon. Pereira and Adesanya first clashed at Glory of Heroes 1 in Shenzhen, China, on April 2, 2016. Pereira emerged victorious via unanimous decision, handing Adesanya a rare loss in his kickboxing career.
Their second encounter took place at Glory of Heroes 7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 4, 2017. Pereira once again triumphed, this time with a devastating left hook knockout in the third round. This victory solidified Pereira’s dominance over Adesanya in kickboxing.
UFC 281: Adesanya’s First UFC Loss to Pereira
Years later, their paths crossed again, this time in the UFC. At UFC 281 on November 12, 2022, Adesanya, then the reigning middleweight champion, faced Pereira in a highly anticipated MMA bout. Despite a strong performance from Adesanya, Pereira secured a fifth-round TKO victory, claiming the middleweight title and extending his winning streak against Adesanya to three.
UFC 287: Adesanya’s Revenge and the Final Answer
The story didn’t end there. At UFC 287 on April 8, 2023, Adesanya got his revenge, knocking out Pereira in the second round to reclaim the middleweight championship. This victory marked a turning point in their rivalry, finally answering the question of who could win in the UFC.
Adesanya Knocks Out Pereira at UFC 287
While Pereira holds the historical edge with two kickboxing victories, Adesanya ultimately won their most crucial fight, the UFC rematch at UFC 287. This victory not only earned him the middleweight title but also cemented his legacy as a top fighter in the sport.
What Happened Next?
Following UFC 287, the two fighters took different paths. Adesanya continued to defend his middleweight title, while Pereira moved up to the light heavyweight division. He won the light heavyweight championship at UFC 295 against Jiri Prochazka, further fueling speculation of a potential future rematch with Adesanya.
Tale of the Tape: Adesanya vs Pereira
Here’s a quick comparison of their stats:
| Fighter | MMA Record | Height | Weight | Striking Accuracy | Takedown Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Israel Adesanya | 23-2-0 | 6 feet 3 inch | 185lbs (84kg) | 50% | 14% |
| Alex Pereira | 7-1-0 | 6 feet 3 inch | 185lbs (84kg) | 60% | 100% |
Injuries Throughout the Rivalry
The rivalry was also marked by injuries. Adesanya suffered a breathing issue after the Glory of Heroes 7 knockout and later revealed a sciatic nerve injury from a Pereira leg kick at UFC 281. Pereira, on the other hand, has had a relatively injury-free career in their matchups.
The Adesanya vs. Pereira saga is a testament to the unpredictable nature of combat sports. While Pereira initially dominated, Adesanya ultimately prevailed in their most significant encounter, leaving fans eager to see if their paths will cross again in the future.
