TLDR
- Alex Pereira posted a video of Israel Adesanya knocking him out at UFC 287 in 2023
- Pereira wrote a lengthy message wishing Adesanya luck before his UFC Seattle fight against Joe Pyfer
- The former rivals have developed a respectful relationship after their intense fighting history
- Adesanya is looking to snap a three-fight losing streak on Saturday
- Pereira is scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title on June 14
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Sherdog | BJ Penn
Alex Pereira posted a video of Israel Adesanya knocking him out while sharing a message of support for his former rival ahead of UFC Seattle this Saturday.
The Brazilian light heavyweight champion shared footage from their rematch at UFC 287 in 2023 on Instagram. In the post, Pereira thanked Adesanya for the experience and wished him success in his upcoming fight against Joe Pyfer.
“Saturday is fight night once again,” Pereira wrote while tagging Adesanya. “Much respect to Israel Adesanya — we’ve shared the Octagon and moments that became part of my journey.”
From Knockout Loss to Personal Growth
Pereira explained how the knockout loss helped him develop as both a fighter and a person. “That loss taught me a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a man,” he wrote.
The former middleweight champion said he used the defeat as motivation to reach higher levels in the sport. “I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to reach a higher level in the sport and in life,” Pereira added.
It's Israel Adesanya fight week!
His last win was in 2023 when he brutally knocked out Alex Pereira to take back the Middleweight title #UFCSeattle
pic.twitter.com/GBSsv10YJd— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) March 23, 2026
Pereira and Adesanya have a long history that dates back to their kickboxing careers. Pereira was the only man to beat Adesanya in Glory kickboxing, defeating him twice before both fighters transitioned to MMA.
Adesanya moved to the UFC first and became the middleweight champion. Pereira followed years later and earned a title shot against Adesanya just one year after his UFC debut.
At UFC 281 in 2022, Pereira knocked out Adesanya to capture the middleweight title. The victory gave Pereira three wins over Adesanya across kickboxing and MMA.
However, Adesanya got his revenge at UFC 287 in 2023 with a stunning knockout victory. The win marked Adesanya’s first and only victory over Pereira in their four-fight series.
Current Status of Both Fighters
After losing the rematch, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight where he won the championship. He defended the title three times before losing to Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight title by knocking out Ankalaev in their rematch last year. He currently holds the 205-pound championship.
Adesanya faces a different situation heading into UFC Seattle. He has lost three consecutive fights and hasn’t won since his knockout of Pereira in 2023.
His last appearance came in a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025. Saturday’s fight against Pyfer marks his first bout in over a year.
Pereira acknowledged the challenges of fighting at the highest level in his message. “Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there — the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice,” he wrote.
He concluded his post with encouragement for Adesanya. “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.”
The relationship between the two former champions has evolved from hostility to mutual respect. They shared a cordial moment at UFC 312 last year that went viral on social media.
Adesanya will fight Joe Pyfer in the main event at UFC Seattle on Saturday. Pyfer brings a record of 15-3 into the middleweight bout.
Pereira is scheduled to make his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane on June 14 at UFC White House. The fight is for the interim heavyweight title while champion Tom Aspinall recovers from eye injuries.
