Adesanya Declares Rivalry with Pereira ‘Settled’, Rules Out Trilogy After Devastating Knockout Win at UFC 287

Following his decisive victory at UFC 287, Israel Adesanya declared that his rivalry with Alex Pereira is now “settled”.

Adesanya revealed he has no intention of facing the Brazilian in the Octagon for a third time.

Stylebender emerged as the undisputed middleweight champion with a devastating knockout win at Saturday night’s event.

Israel Adesanya wants to go train with Alex Pereira in Brazil pic.twitter.com/dAktDfvxje

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) April 9, 2023

After winning the Middleweight championship, Izzy declared the rivalry with Pereira was officially over.

After their four-fight series in professional combat sports, Adesanya had managed to gain the upper hand, emerging victorious in their final fight and securing the championship title.

“I don’t keep score, I settle it, and now it’s settled,” Adesanya said of his rivalry with Pereira during his post-fight press conference at UFC 287.

“I gave him (Alex Pereira) a fast track to the belt. I could’ve said, ‘Naw, who’s he fought?’ He only fought one top five (contender).’ But no. He did well. He fought some top guys. He beat (Sean) Strickland, and I was like, ‘Well, fine. There’s no one else.”

“I was looking for that challenge,” Adesanya explained.

“He beat me in kickboxing and I got the immediate rematch because of what I’ve done in the game. I did the hard years and I earned my rematch. Now he has to do the hard yards and earn it, but I don’t think he’s going to. Go cause problems at 205 (pounds) – I’ll tell you that.”