Rivals, yes! Enemies, never! Alex Poatan sends a special message to Israel Adesanya on social media.

Israel adesanya e Alex Poatán together in the UFC 312. Photo: Instagram / UFC

After facing off in electrifying duels at the top of combat sports for many years, Alex Poatán e Israel adesanya They live a much friendlier reality nowadays. While preparing to face joe pyfer in the main fight of UFC Seattle Next Saturday (28), the Nigerian was publicly encouraged by his former rival through a post on Instagram last Tuesday (25).

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In the post, the light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) acknowledged the significance of both their MMA journeys and wished the Nigerian good luck in their next fight. The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) hasn't won since April 2023.

"Much respect to Israel adesanya…Regardless of the rivalry, I know what it means to step into that ring — the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice. That's why I wish you a great fight. Go in focused and show your best. We continue to evolve. See you at the top, CHAMA,” said the Brazilian.

Alex Pereira sends a message to Israel adesanya ahead of his fight this weekend at #UFCSeattle 🤝

"Much respect to Israel adesanya… Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there — the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice. That's why I wish you a great… pic.twitter.com/luw3enjT1J

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 25, 2026

Ironically, the last time Adesanya left the octagon with his arm raised was precisely against the Brazilian. On that occasion, he avenged the defeat suffered in... UFC 281 And he knocked out his arch-rival in the second round, regaining the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) and becoming the only fighter to knock out Poatan in MMA.

Adesanya and Poatan have faced each other four times in MMA and kickboxing.

I. Adesanya (left) kicks A. Poatan (right) in the UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The rivalry between the two began almost a decade ago, back in their kickboxing days. In the ring, Poatan defeated Adesanya twice, the second time with a beautiful knockout achieved with the Paulista's trademark left cross.

In the world's most famous octagon, Pataxó was crowned middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) after winning by technical knockout in the fifth round of the... UFC 281...only for Izzy to return the favor six months later.