Former UFC two-division champion Alex Pereira shared a powerful message for Israel Adesanya ahead of his rival’s comeback at UFC Seattle.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will look to earn his first victory in three years when he faces off with Joe Pyfer this Saturday at UFC Seattle. Adesanya has lost three consecutive fights and hasn’t appeared in the Octagon since a TKO defeat to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025.
Adesanya’s last victory came against then-middleweight champion Alex Pereira, who shares a colorful history with Adesanya dating back to their time in professional kickboxing. After suffering three combined losses (Kickboxing and MMA) to Pereira, Adesanya knocked out Pereira at UFC 287 in one of the most shocking finishes in UFC history.
Despite hostility between Adesanya and Pereira in the past, the two UFC superstars have turned the page on their rivalry and shared a viral, cordial moment at UFC 312 last year. Ahead of UFC Seattle, Pereira wrote a moving tribute and motivational message to Adesanya as he looks to snap his ongoing skid.
Alex Pereira to Israel Adesanya: ‘Go show your best’ at UFC Seattle
In a recent Instagram post, Pereira shared a classy message to Adesanya ahead of UFC Seattle.
“Saturday is fight night once again. Much respect to Israel Adesanya — we’ve shared the octagon and moments that became part of my journey. That loss taught me a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a man. I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to reach a higher level in the sport and in life,” Pereira said of Adesanya
“Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there — the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice. That’s why I wish you a great fight. Go in focused and show your best.
“We keep evolving. See you at the top CHAMA.”
Pereira will look to become the UFC’s first three-division champion when he faces Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250 this summer. Pereira vs. Gane is for the interim heavyweight title, as undisputed champ Tom Aspinall continues to recover from multiple eye injuries.
In the meantime, Pereira will keep a keen eye on UFC Seattle this weekend, and he seems to have a strong rooting interest in Adesanya’s comeback fight.
What is your prediction for Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer? Let us know in the comments!