Alex Pereira, the former two-division UFC champion, recently acknowledged Israel Adesanya after his long-time rival was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. This tribute came shortly after Adesanya’s celebrated recognition for his contributions to the sport.
Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum put on one of the most memorable battles in MMA history during their meeting at UFC 236 six years ago. Both fighters were honored with induction into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Fight Wing’ for this epic encounter that showcased fierce competition and resilience.
Adesanya claimed victory over Gastelum by unanimous decision to secure the interim UFC middleweight championship at UFC 236. The fight was notable for being a rare moment when Adesanya was knocked down, underscoring the brutal intensity of the contest. Adesanya’s win at that event launched his journey toward superstardom in the UFC, while Gastelum’s performance remains a hallmark of his career despite not reaching his earlier potential.
Rekindling Respect: Pereira’s Reflections on Their Rivalry and Hall of Fame Tribute
The rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira has been one of the fiercest in recent combat sports history, spanning both kickboxing and mixed martial arts. They faced off twice in the UFC after establishing their rivalry in GLORY kickboxing, each fight adding layers to their compelling story.
At UFC 281, Adesanya appeared poised to secure a decision win over Pereira in a title defense but was later stopped by a TKO from Pereira in the final moments. Several months later at UFC 287, Adesanya exacted revenge with a knockout in the second round, providing a thrilling conclusion to their series.
Despite the heated battles, Pereira and Adesanya have moved beyond their rivalry, demonstrating mutual respect and sportsmanship. Following Adesanya’s induction, Pereira shared a brief but meaningful message on Instagram, writing, “This is sport!”
Earlier this year, Pereira and Adesanya were seen sitting cageside together to watch a bout between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland at UFC 312, exchanging friendly greetings that captured the attention of the MMA community worldwide. After their middleweight confrontations, Pereira transitioned to the light heavyweight division, where he aims to reclaim the 205-pound championship.
Uncertainty Surrounds Potential Rematch Between Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev
Earlier this year at UFC 313, Pereira lost the light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev, ending a dominant run with four successful title defenses in under a year. Although both fighters initially agreed to an immediate rematch, progress on scheduling has since stalled, with Ankalaev expressing intentions to move forward rather than face Pereira again soon.
Meanwhile, Pereira has assured fans that he is preparing for a return to the Octagon after some downtime, signaling his determination to regain championship status. Announcements regarding a rematch with Ankalaev could be expected in the upcoming weeks, as Pereira’s focus remains on plotting his comeback.
The Enduring Significance of Adesanya’s UFC Hall of Fame Induction
Israel Adesanya’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame not only honors his remarkable career but also highlights his impact on the sport through his unforgettable fights, including the legendary battle with Kelvin Gastelum. This recognition cements his legacy as one of the UFC’s most influential middleweight champions.
The respectful interaction between Adesanya and Pereira following the induction reflects a broader spirit of sportsmanship in MMA, even among intense rivals. As Pereira sets his sights on regaining the light heavyweight title, the UFC community eagerly anticipates the next chapters in the careers of both fighters.