Alex Pereira on his Comparison with Israel Adesanya

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A Long-Time Rivalry

Alex Pereira (Brazil) and Israel Adesanya (New Zealand) are long-time rivals in the world of combat sports. Both fighters have faced each other in the UFC as well as in kickboxing leagues. Pereira is the current UFC Light Heavyweight champion and former Middleweight champion while Adesanya is the former Middleweight champion. 

A Look at the MMA Resume

Pereira has had 12 fights in MMA so far including eight in the UFC. Of these 12 fights, the Brazilian has won 10 and lost two. Adesanya on the other hand, is much more experienced in this fighting style with 27 fights of which he has won 24 and lost three. He has 16 fights in the UFC and defended his title multiple times.

Pereira on Comparisons

In a recent interview with Laerte Vian, Pereira was asked about his legacy stacked up against Adesanya. “Adesanya made several title defences, you know? I couldn’t defend the middleweight belt. So how much is that worth? Let’s try to put that into a score, how much is it worth? Maybe it’s worth, I don’t know, ten points for him, and my championship run is worth two.”

'What Matters is How You Inspire People'

The Brazilian pointed out that he became a double champ but Adesanya didn't. But this didn't matter. "What matters is what you do and how you inspire people. And I think I’m doing it very well,” he said.