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MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 08: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria reacts after knocking out Alex Pereira of Brazil in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 287 event at Kaseya Center on April 08, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Israel Adesanya will make his Octagon return atop the UFC Seattle fight card this weekend on Paramount+.
It’s been a rough couple of years for “The Last Stylebender,” who lost three straight and hasn’t seen the win column since stopping Alex Pereira at UFC 287 roughly three years back.
Pereira went on to win six of his next seven with five brutal knockouts.
“Saturday is fight night once again,” Pereira wrote on Instagram. “Much respect to Israel Adesanya — we’ve shared the Octagon and moments that became part of my journey. That loss taught me a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a man. I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to reach a higher level in the sport and in life. 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 fight. Go in focused and show your best. We keep evolving. See you at the top CHAMA.”
Pereira even posted the highlight of his own loss to Adesanya, which left them tied at 1-1 in UFC.
Sounds like that chapter really is closed.
Waiting to meet Adesanya in the UFC Seattle main event is middleweight power puncher Joe Pyfer, ranked 10 spots below “The Last Stylebender” at No. 14. “BodyBagz” opened as the early betting favorite over the former 185-pound champion, but it certainly sounds like Pereira is banking on Adesanya.
To see who else is fighting at UFC Seattle click here.
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