Adesanya Vs. Pereira: A Throwback To Their 2017 Clash

The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira has captivated the combat sports world, reaching its zenith in the UFC. However, to truly appreciate the depth of this intense feud, it's crucial to delve back to their initial encounter in 2017. Before the bright lights of the Octagon, before the UFC titles, and before the global fame, Adesanya and Pereira clashed in a kickboxing match that set the stage for their future battles. This article explores the context, the fight itself, and the reverberations of that 2017 showdown.

Genesis of a Rivalry: Kickboxing Days

Before both men transitioned to mixed martial arts and conquered the UFC, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira were established stars in the world of kickboxing. Adesanya, with his flashy style, diverse striking arsenal, and captivating personality, had already built a considerable following. Pereira, known as "Poatan" (meaning "Stone Hand" in Portuguese), was feared for his incredible knockout power and stoic demeanor. In this section, we'll unpack the background of each fighter leading up to their first clash, setting the stage for what was to come.

Israel Adesanya: The Stylebender's Rise

Israel Adesanya, a Nigerian-born New Zealander, made a name for himself in the kickboxing world with his unique blend of athleticism, creativity, and technical skill. His background in dance heavily influenced his fighting style, giving him exceptional footwork, head movement, and an unpredictable striking game. Before focusing entirely on MMA, Adesanya had an impressive kickboxing record with over 75 wins. He was known for taking on all comers and showcasing his talents on various international stages. His charismatic personality and willingness to engage with fans helped him build a dedicated following even before joining the UFC. Adesanya's kickboxing career wasn't just about wins and losses; it was about expressing himself through martial arts, and this is what drew so many people to him. Adesanya was a rising star, confident and ready to take on any challenge.

Alex Pereira: The Stone Hand Emerges

Alex Pereira, hailing from Brazil, carved his path through the kickboxing world with a more traditional, power-oriented approach. Nicknamed "Poatan" for his devastating knockout power, Pereira possessed a granite chin and an ability to end fights with a single blow. Before transitioning to MMA, Pereira had a stellar kickboxing record, becoming a two-division champion in Glory, one of the premier kickboxing organizations. He was known for his methodical approach to fighting, patiently stalking his opponents and waiting for the perfect opportunity to unleash his devastating left hook. Pereira's stoic and intimidating presence made him a formidable opponent, and his knockout power earned him the respect of fans and fighters alike. While Adesanya was known for his flash and flair, Pereira was all about raw power and efficiency.

The 2017 Clash: Glory of Heroes 7

The first fight between Adesanya and Pereira took place on April 8, 2017, at Glory of Heroes 7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This was a significant moment for both fighters, representing a clash of styles and a test of their skills on a major stage. Let's break down the key aspects of the fight and how it unfolded.

Setting the Stage: Pre-Fight Atmosphere

The atmosphere leading up to the fight was electric. Adesanya, ever the showman, brought his usual swagger and confidence, while Pereira maintained his focused and intense demeanor. The clash of personalities added another layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated fight. Fans were eager to see whether Adesanya's elusive style could overcome Pereira's raw power. Analysts and commentators debated the potential outcomes, with some favoring Adesanya's technical skills and others predicting a knockout victory for Pereira. The fight was a major attraction on the Glory of Heroes 7 card, drawing a large crowd and significant media attention. Both fighters understood the importance of this fight for their careers and were determined to emerge victorious. The pre-fight atmosphere was tense, with both fighters radiating confidence and determination.

Fight Breakdown: Round-by-Round Analysis

The fight itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments of success. In the early rounds, Adesanya utilized his footwork and striking variety to keep Pereira at bay, landing quick combinations and staying out of range of Pereira's power punches. However, Pereira gradually began to close the distance, landing some heavy shots that tested Adesanya's chin. The middle rounds saw more exchanges, with both fighters landing significant blows. Adesanya continued to use his movement and angles to avoid Pereira's power, but Pereira's pressure was relentless. In the later rounds, Pereira's power began to take its toll, and he started to land more consistently. Ultimately, Pereira won the fight by unanimous decision, showcasing his toughness, pressure, and power. While Adesanya had his moments, he was unable to consistently nullify Pereira's attacks. The fight was a hard-fought battle, with both fighters showcasing their skills and determination.

The Decisive Blow: Pereira's Victory

While the fight went to a decision, Pereira's victory was decisive. He managed to impose his will on Adesanya, controlling the pace of the fight and landing the more significant blows. Adesanya's movement and striking variety were not enough to overcome Pereira's pressure and power. The judges' scorecards reflected Pereira's dominance, awarding him the unanimous decision victory. This win was a major milestone for Pereira, solidifying his status as one of the top kickboxers in the world. It also marked the beginning of a rivalry that would continue to unfold in the years to come. Pereira's victory was a testament to his power, toughness, and strategic approach to fighting.

The Rematch and the UFC Chapter

The rivalry didn't end in 2017. They met again in kickboxing, with Pereira winning by knockout. Then, both transitioned to MMA and eventually collided in the UFC. Pereira defeated Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight title, only for Adesanya to reclaim it in a stunning rematch. These UFC fights added new layers to their already complex history.

From Kickboxing to the Octagon

The transition from kickboxing to MMA presented new challenges for both fighters. Adesanya, with his striking background, adapted quickly to the grappling aspects of MMA, developing his wrestling and ground game. Pereira, known primarily for his striking, also worked diligently to improve his grappling skills. Their paths eventually converged in the UFC, where they continued their rivalry on a much larger stage. The stakes were higher, the audience was bigger, and the world was watching. The transition to MMA added new dimensions to their rivalry, testing their ability to adapt and evolve as fighters.

UFC Title Fights: A New Level of Intensity

The UFC fights between Adesanya and Pereira were nothing short of epic. Their first encounter saw Pereira defeat Adesanya by TKO to capture the UFC Middleweight title, showcasing his power once again. However, Adesanya avenged his loss in the rematch, knocking out Pereira to reclaim the title and prove his adaptability and resilience. These fights were filled with drama, excitement, and intense competition, solidifying their status as two of the best middleweights in the world. The UFC title fights elevated their rivalry to new heights, captivating fans around the globe.

Legacy of a Rivalry: Impact and Future

The Adesanya-Pereira rivalry has had a significant impact on both fighters' careers and the world of combat sports. Their fights have been thrilling, competitive, and filled with drama, leaving a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike. While their rivalry may have reached a conclusion for now, its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

Impact on Both Fighters' Careers

The rivalry with Pereira has undoubtedly shaped Adesanya's career, pushing him to evolve as a fighter and overcome adversity. The losses to Pereira forced Adesanya to analyze his weaknesses, improve his skills, and develop a more strategic approach to fighting. Similarly, the rivalry with Adesanya has been a defining factor in Pereira's career, showcasing his power and determination on the biggest stage. Both fighters have benefited from the intense competition, pushing each other to reach new heights. The impact on their careers is undeniable, as they have both grown and evolved as fighters as a result of their rivalry.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

The Adesanya-Pereira rivalry provides valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and the importance of continuous improvement. Both fighters have demonstrated the ability to learn from their mistakes, adjust their strategies, and come back stronger. As they continue their careers, it will be interesting to see how they apply these lessons and what new challenges they will face. While a future fight between them isn't out of the question, both fighters have many other potential opponents to face, but the lessons learned in this rivalry will likely help them as their careers progress.