Adesanya Vs. Pereira: The Untold Story Of 2017

The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira is one of the most captivating narratives in combat sports history. While their UFC matchups are well-documented, the genesis of their animosity and the seeds of their intense battles were sown long before they graced the Octagon. To truly understand the depth of this rivalry, we have to journey back to 2017, a pivotal year where their paths collided in the kickboxing ring, setting the stage for the drama that would unfold years later in mixed martial arts. Guys, this is where it all began, so buckle up!

The Kickboxing Clashes: Where It All Began

Before the UFC spotlight, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira were established kickboxers, each making waves in the global combat sports scene. Adesanya, known for his flashy style, unorthodox movement, and pinpoint striking, had already captured attention with his performances in GLORY, one of the premier kickboxing organizations. Pereira, on the other hand, was a rising force with a reputation for devastating power and a granite chin. His background in boxing and his aggressive, forward-pressure style made him a formidable opponent for anyone.

In 2016, both fighters were making names for themselves in different organizations, but it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed. The kickboxing world is relatively small, and the top contenders in each weight class inevitably end up facing each other. In 2017, the highly anticipated matchup was finally booked: Israel Adesanya versus Alex Pereira. This wasn't just another fight; it was a clash of styles, a battle of wills, and the beginning of what would become a defining rivalry.

Their first encounter took place on April 8, 2017, at Glory of Heroes 7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Adesanya, the more experienced kickboxer at the time, came in with a game plan to use his movement and technical striking to outpoint Pereira. He danced around the ring, utilizing his signature feints and angles to keep Pereira guessing. However, Pereira's relentless pressure and powerful left hook proved to be a constant threat. Despite Adesanya's best efforts to evade and counter, Pereira managed to land several significant blows, dictating the pace of the fight. The judges ultimately awarded Pereira a unanimous decision victory. Adesanya disputed the decision, believing he had done enough to win, but the result stood. The stage was set for a rematch, and the rivalry began to intensify.

The Rematch: A Devastating Knockout

Following their first fight, the burning question on everyone's mind was whether Adesanya could adapt and overcome Pereira's power and pressure. The rematch was inevitable, and it took place just under a year later, on March 4, 2017, at Glory of Heroes 15 in the same city, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Adesanya, fueled by a desire for revenge and determined to prove his superiority, came into the fight with a revised strategy. He was more aggressive, more willing to engage in exchanges, and more focused on exploiting Pereira's weaknesses.

For the first two rounds, Adesanya appeared to be executing his game plan perfectly. He was landing clean shots, controlling the distance, and frustrating Pereira with his movement. It seemed like he was on his way to avenging his earlier loss. However, Pereira is not someone you can count out. In the third round, Pereira found an opening and unleashed his trademark left hook, landing flush on Adesanya's chin. Adesanya went down instantly, unconscious. The fight was over. Pereira had not only defeated Adesanya again but had done so in devastating fashion. The knockout sent shockwaves through the kickboxing community and solidified Pereira's status as a top contender. For Adesanya, it was a humbling experience, a bitter pill to swallow, and a moment that would fuel his drive to reach the pinnacle of combat sports.

The Impact on Their MMA Careers

While their kickboxing matches were significant in their own right, the rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira took on a whole new dimension when they both transitioned to mixed martial arts and eventually joined the UFC. Adesanya's journey to the top of the middleweight division was meteoric. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and dominant fighters in the UFC, capturing the middleweight title and defending it multiple times against top contenders.

Pereira's transition to MMA was equally impressive. With his striking pedigree and knockout power, he quickly rose through the ranks, racking up wins and catching the attention of UFC matchmakers. It wasn't long before the calls for a third fight between Adesanya and Pereira, this time in the Octagon, became deafening. The UFC, always keen to capitalize on compelling storylines, booked the fight for UFC 281 in November 2022. The anticipation was palpable, and the fight lived up to the hype.

In their first MMA encounter, Pereira once again emerged victorious, defeating Adesanya by TKO in the fifth round to capture the UFC middleweight title. The fight was a back-and-forth war, with both fighters having their moments of success. Adesanya was seemingly on his way to winning the fight on the scorecards, but Pereira's relentless pressure and knockout power proved to be the difference once again. This victory cemented Pereira's reputation as Adesanya's kryptonite.

However, the story didn't end there. In April 2023, Adesanya finally overcame Pereira, knocking him out in the second round to reclaim the middleweight title at UFC 287. This victory was not just a win; it was a redemption story, a testament to Adesanya's resilience and his ability to learn and adapt. It proved that he could overcome his demons and finally defeat the man who had haunted him for years.

The Legacy of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira is more than just a series of fights; it's a story of perseverance, adaptation, and the pursuit of greatness. Their kickboxing matches in 2017 laid the foundation for one of the most compelling rivalries in combat sports history. These fights not only shaped their careers but also provided valuable lessons that they carried with them into the world of MMA.

Adesanya learned the importance of adapting his game plan, overcoming adversity, and never giving up, even in the face of defeat. Pereira learned the value of relentless pressure, capitalizing on opportunities, and maintaining his composure under pressure. Their rivalry pushed them both to become better fighters, and it captivated audiences around the world.

Looking back, the fights of 2017 were crucial stepping stones in the careers of both Adesanya and Pereira. They showcased their skills, revealed their weaknesses, and set the stage for their future success. As fans, we were privileged to witness the birth of a rivalry that transcended sports and became a symbol of the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges and achieve the impossible. Whether they meet again in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the story of Adesanya vs. Pereira will be told for generations to come, and it all started in those kickboxing rings back in 2017.