Tag: alex pereira

Israel Adesanya reveals plans to retire within the next five years; ‘I have other things to do in life.’

Israel AdesanyaFans might be saying goodbye to Israel Adesanya a lot sooner than expected. On Saturday, April 8, ‘The Last Stylebender’ will attempt to recapture the UFC middleweight championship by doing something he has never done before: beating Alex Pereira. After three different meetings across two different sports, Adesanya is yet to solve the puzzle that […]

Israel Adesanya

Fans might be saying goodbye to Israel Adesanya a lot sooner than expected.

On Saturday, April 8, ‘The Last Stylebender’ will attempt to recapture the UFC middleweight championship by doing something he has never done before: beating Alex Pereira. After three different meetings across two different sports, Adesanya is yet to solve the puzzle that Pereira represents, but he’ll get another crack at it in the UFC 287 main event. As it turns out, it could be one of Adesanya’s last performances based on comments he made backstage at last weekend’s UFC event in Australia.

“I’ve been in the UFC five years, right? If I’m being honest, I’m not gonna be here in five years,” Adesanya told reporters backstage at UFC 284. “I have other things to do in life.”

Israel Adesanya made his first appearance inside the Octagon at UFC 221 in February 2018. Five years later, ‘Stylebender’ has established himself as one of the greatest middleweight competitors of all time. While he has every intention of climbing his way back to the top of the 185-pound mountain, Adesanya simply can’t see himself competing in another five years.

“I love this sh*t and I’m f*cking great at it but I never attach myself to this and I’m gonna leave on top. So yeah, that’s the best way I feel like you should leave. But again, I’ve been here five years in the UFC, (snaps fingers) it went like that. We’ll see how long I’m here for but I don’t think it’s gonna be five years” (h/t MMA Junkie).

Fans on Twitter React to Israel Adesanya’s Retirement Plans

With Israel Adesanya turning 34 years old this year, another five years would see him pushing 40. It’s certainly not unreasonable to think he would put down the gloves by then to pursue other avenues while he still has youth on his side. Fans on Twitter were quick to speculate on when ‘Stylebender’ may choose to walk away from the sport with some suggesting it all hinges upon whether or not he can defeat Alex Pereira in April.

Alex Pereira On Difference Between Past Fights & UFC 307: ‘Now I Understand This Game’ 

He may have already achieved champion status in two UFC divisions and continues to rule over the light heavyweight class through two successful defenses, but Alex Pereira insists he is still continuing to evolve as a mixed martial artist. Since a brief reign at middleweight, Pereira has emphatically conquered some of the top names at […]

Continue Reading Alex Pereira On Difference Between Past Fights & UFC 307: ‘Now I Understand This Game’  at MMA News.

He may have already achieved champion status in two UFC divisions and continues to rule over the light heavyweight class through two successful defenses, but Alex Pereira insists he is still continuing to evolve as a mixed martial artist.

Since a brief reign at middleweight, Pereira has emphatically conquered some of the top names at 205 pounds. In four fights, “Poatan” has defeated three former champions in Jan B?achowicz, Ji?í Procházka, and Jamahal Hill.

And after successfully retaining possession of the belt on two occasions this year thus far, Pereira will return for his third defense at UFC 307 in Utah this weekend, where the challenge of Khalil Rountree awaits him.

Having held titles in two weight classes and established himself as a top name toward the top of the pound-for-pound ladder, some would be forgiven for forgetting that Pereira is just 13 fights and four committed years into his MMA career.

With that in mind, the Brazilian’s success has come alongside his continued growth in the sport. And as he approaches his latest outing in the cage, a further evolved “Poatan” is feeling better than ever.

Pereira Touts ‘Significant Strides’ In UFC 307 Camp

During episode one of the UFC 307 Embedded: Vlog Series, Pereira looked ahead to his third Octagon outing in quick succession.

While he’s not had much time to breathe between defenses in 2024, the Brazilian kickboxing specialist and his team have still spoken highly about the progress made behind the scenes.

And in that regard, “Poatan” has seemingly had his best camp to date.

“This camp I’ve made significant strides in my overall progress and my preparation,” Pereira said. “Like I said to Glover, ‘Now I understand this game.’ And he replied, ‘I can see that.’ So it seems like something has clicked. I feel very confident and great.

Pereira will look to show those improvements come fight night in the “Beehive State” this weekend, where yet another successful title defense in 2024 could leave his case for Fighter of the Year undeniable.

Continue Reading Alex Pereira On Difference Between Past Fights & UFC 307: ‘Now I Understand This Game’  at MMA News.

UFC Legend Cites Potential Alex Pereira Weakness That Khalil Rountree Could Exploit: ‘Did Not Work For Him When He Fought Izzy…’

Alex Pereira has become a superstar during his time in the UFC, where his elite kickboxing background has been put to devastating use. “Poatan” is one of the best strikers we have ever seen inside the Octagon and he’s delivered some incredible highlights in his run so far. In the third defense of his light […]

Continue Reading UFC Legend Cites Potential Alex Pereira Weakness That Khalil Rountree Could Exploit: ‘Did Not Work For Him When He Fought Izzy…’ at MMA News.

Alex Pereira has become a superstar during his time in the UFC, where his elite kickboxing background has been put to devastating use.

“Poatan” is one of the best strikers we have ever seen inside the Octagon and he’s delivered some incredible highlights in his run so far.

In the third defense of his light heavyweight title at UFC 307 this weekend, he will face another powerful striker in Khalil Rountree.

Many find it hard to imagine how Rountree will win a stand-up battle against the champion but there is one chink in Pereira’s armour that could cost him.

Stephen Thompson Says Alex Pereira’s Aggression Could Be A Problem For Him At UFC 307

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Stephen Thompson spoke about Pereira’s unique approach to striking in MMA.

“Wonderboy” will also be in action on Saturday night in Salt Lake City where you’re sure to see his wide range of kickboxing weapons on display against Joaquin Buckley.

Rather than the evasive and dynamic style of Thompson, Pereira’s kickboxing approach is far more aggressive and on the front-foot.

He doesn’t move around all that much and will usually stand right in front of his opponents.

The champion is so powerful and confident in his ability to land his own shots that he doesn’t tend to move out of the way of his opponents’, when they launch something back his way.

As it did in his MMA rematch with Israel Adesanya, Thompson questioned whether this could be dangerous for him against an opponent like Rountree.

“It [the aggression] did not work for him when he fought Izzy, you know. That’s kind of the same thing that he got caught in was in that brawl and he was taking shots but he wasn’t evading any, he was still in the face trying to throw and he got clipped and he went down. I mean he relies a lot on his toughness, he’s a very durable fighter for a guy to be fighting so much but yeah man, that’s dangerous. If you get there with another striker, especially Khalil Rountree, Khalil Rountree is a powerful guy.”

Read also: Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Gives His Verdict On Dricus Du Plessis’ Striking: ‘No Real Good Technique…’

Continue Reading UFC Legend Cites Potential Alex Pereira Weakness That Khalil Rountree Could Exploit: ‘Did Not Work For Him When He Fought Izzy…’ at MMA News.

Alex Pereira Makes Charity Bet With Khalil Rountree Over UFC 307 No Takedown Promise

Khalil Rountree has made it clear that he intends to stand and strike with Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307. The light heavyweight title challenger has won four of his last five fights via knockout, and is certainly capable of striking with anyone in the division. However, “Poatan” is a whole different […]

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Makes Charity Bet With Khalil Rountree Over UFC 307 No Takedown Promise at MMA News.

Khalil Rountree has made it clear that he intends to stand and strike with Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307.

The light heavyweight title challenger has won four of his last five fights via knockout, and is certainly capable of striking with anyone in the division.

However, “Poatan” is a whole different beast when it comes to the stand-up game thanks to his incredible career in kickboxing before he made the switch to MMA.

Rountree’s coach John Wood also stated that they intend to strike in Salt Lake City because that’s where they will get the best out of his student’s skill set, rather than trying to change his approach because of the opponent that’s in front of them.

Pereira Says He Won’t Be Convinced Unless Rountree Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

Despite this clear statement from his opponent, Pereira isn’t convinced that Rountree will stick by his word once they meet inside the Octagon.

The champion is so effective on the feet that even when he faces fellow strikers, they often divert to using grappling as a plan B.

Pereira commented on this during a recent interview with Kevin Iole before fight week.

Through his coach, Plinio Cruz, “Poatan” suggested a wager that would give him confidence in Rountree’s pre-fight assertion that he will keep the fight on the feet.

“Honestly bro, everybody that said that [they will keep the fight standing] before ended up shooting a takedown on this guy so it’s hard to believe. Alex said that the only way that he’ll believe [is] if Khalil go out in public and say, ‘I promise, I promise that I’m not going to shoot a takedown on this guy and if I do, I’m going to donate a percentage of my purse for charity.’ Then Alex will believe him and say let’s bang.”

Read also: Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Makes Charity Bet With Khalil Rountree Over UFC 307 No Takedown Promise at MMA News.

Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Provides His Prediction For Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

Stephen Thompson recently shared his forecast for the UFC 307 main event clash between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree. “Poatan” is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight title for the third time, this time against Khalil Rountree in the headlining bout of the upcoming pay-per-view on October 5, taking place at the Delta Center […]

Continue Reading Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Provides His Prediction For Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree At UFC 307 at MMA News.

Stephen Thompson recently shared his forecast for the UFC 307 main event clash between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree.

“Poatan” is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight title for the third time, this time against Khalil Rountree in the headlining bout of the upcoming pay-per-view on October 5, taking place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Pereira enters this fight riding high off back-to-back successful title defenses against former champions earlier this year. His most recent victory came in June at UFC 303, where he delivered a stunning second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka in their short-notice rematch.

Since joining the UFC in November 2021, the Brazilian’s trajectory has been steadily skyward. After conquering the middleweight division, he made the leap to light heavyweight, and with just one victory at 205 pounds to earn a title shot, he seized gold with a TKO win over Prochazka at UFC 295 last November.

Meanwhile, “The War Horse” is making his return after serving a 4.5-month suspension for testing positive for a steroid hormone, with the sanction lifted on September 18. He is currently riding a five-fight win streak, with his latest victory being a third-round knockout of Anthony Smith last December.

Despite being a UFC veteran since 2016, Rountree has often been viewed as someone who hasn’t quite realized his full potential. However, UFC 307 will finally give him his long-awaited first shot at the gold.

Thompson Believes Pereira vs. Rountree Will Come Down To Who Outstrikes The Other

During a recent interview with Bodgog Canada, Thompson shared his thoughts on the upcoming Pereira vs. Rountree title fight at UFC 307. While “Wonderboy” clearly favored the the reigning champion, he didn’t shy away from commending Rountree’s top-tier striking ability. He predicted that with both being more comfortable on the feet, the fight will likely be stand-up heavy and determine who the better striker is.

“I’m leaning towards Pereira as well, but I think it’s a great fight because both guys are very dangerous fighters,” Thompson said. “Khalil Rountree has got some of the best striking as well; it comes from that Muay Thai background, so basically this is going to be a Muay Thai fight. This is going to be a standup battle, toe-to-toe, to see who’s going to be the better striker.”

The former UFC welterweight title challenger further explained his clear inclination toward “Poatan,” citing Pereira’s impressive track record. Thompson highlighted Pereira’s devastating one-punch knockout power, coupled with his significant reach advantage, as key factors that make him a formidable force against Rountree.

“Obviously, I’ve got to lean towards my man Alex Pereira just because of his credentials and what he’s done in the 185 and 205 [pound] divisions in the UFC. I mean, he’s got a left hook with one-hitter-quitter power. Now, Rountree is big and strong, but can he close the gap? Alex Pereira’s got the longer reach, he’s very calm, and he’s very precise—he’s like a sniper out there when it comes to his strikes. It’s a very hard fight, but I think it’s going to be exciting.”

“Wonderboy” is also set to compete at UFC 307 in a welterweight bout against Joaquin Buckley, marking his return to the Octagon after a 10-month break.

Continue Reading Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Provides His Prediction For Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree At UFC 307 at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya ‘Motivated’ ahead of UFC 287 rematch with Alex Pereira: ‘F*ck the belt, I need to beat this guy’

Israel Adesanya Alex Pereira UFC 287Former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya maintains he has never lost any sort of motivation ahead of his massive title rematch with foe, Alex Pereira at UFC 287, claiming he needs to beat the Brazilian in their much-anticipated showdown. Adesanya, who headlines UFC 287 against Pereira from the Miami-Dade Arena on April 8., will attempt […]

Israel Adesanya Alex Pereira UFC 287

Former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya maintains he has never lost any sort of motivation ahead of his massive title rematch with foe, Alex Pereira at UFC 287, claiming he needs to beat the Brazilian in their much-anticipated showdown.

Adesanya, who headlines UFC 287 against Pereira from the Miami-Dade Arena on April 8., will attempt to avenge a pair of kickboxing losses to the Brazilian, as well as November loss to Pereira – where he dropped the undisputed middleweight title courtesy of a rallying fifth round knockout.

The Nigerian-Kiwi had built up a considerable lead on all three judge’s scorecards during the Madison Square Garden headliner, however, suffered a late, fifth round TKO loss to Pereira, who struck UFC gold himself inside just four fights undet the promotion’s banner.

Slated to meet with the City Kickboxing staple in an immediate championship rematch, Pereira was linked also with a light heavyweight excursion against recently minted gold holder, Jamahal Hill, however, will first draw fierce rival, Adesanya in April instead.

Israel Adesanya insists he “needs” to defeat Alex Pereira in their UFC 287 grudge match

Attending UFC 284 in Perth, Australia over the weekend, Adesanya, who enters April’s grudge match as a title challenger in the organization for the first time since 2019, admits he needs to defeat the Sao Paulo phenom, in order to settle their longstanding score.

“I’ve never not been motivated to fight this guy (Alex Pereira), but for this one,” Israel Adesanya told assembled media during his media availability at UFC 284. “I’ve put the pressure on myself. I have to beat this guy… they can say whatever they want.”

“It’s 1-0 or 3-0, I don’t keep score, I settle them and I just need one and I’m going to get it done,” Israel Adesanya continued. (H/T Sportskeeda) 

Adesanya saw his perfect middleweight run as a mixed martial arts halted in his loss to Pereira, having landed victories over Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier before his November blemish.