Summary
Adesanya and Poatan watch a UFC event side-by-side. Photo: Instagram/Freestylebender
Away from the octagon since the defeat to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025, Israel adesanya There is still no date set for his return to the world's largest MMA organization. However, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) has not forgotten his historic fights with his arch-rival. Alex Poatán, both in Mixed Martial Arts and in kickboxing.
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When recalling his MMA fights, the fighter made a point of explaining the psychological state he was in during those confrontations with the Brazilian, his main opponent throughout his career as a professional athlete.
“For me, it was never really about him (Pereira), it was always about me. I knew that technically I was the only one who had hurt this guy multiple times. I’m very proud of what he’s doing now, two-time light heavyweight champion, he’s back on top. I hope he never loses. I hope he retires undefeated. It’s not about other people, but about me, because after he beat me at Madison Square Garden, people said, ‘Oh, he’ll never fight him again,’ but I thought, ‘Dana, let’s do this fight again!’” the Nigerian stated in a video published by the ‘Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA’ academy.
I hope he never loses. Israel adesanya reflects on the Pereira rivalry and says it was always about proving himself 👑🔥
For me it was never really about him [Pereira], it was always about me. I knew technically I'm the only one to hurt this man multiple times. I'm so proud of… pic.twitter.com/Iwe27tzbtl
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 26, 2025
Adesanya and Poatan have faced each other on four occasions.
Alex Poatán e Israel adesanya face each other on the eve of UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The paths of the two fighters crossed for the first time in April 2016, still in kickboxingOn that occasion, the judges controversially scored in favor of the Brazilian after three rounds. They met again the following year, and this time Poatan recovered from early difficulties and knocked out the Nigerian in the third round with his trademark left cross.
Their paths crossed again in the UFC. Then the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), the Nigerian was dethroned by the Brazilian in the final round after dominating most of the fight. In the rematch, Adesanya had his best moment, knocking out his opponent in the second round and regaining the title.
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