UFC middleweight champion Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya does not believe that his next opponent has much by way of fight IQ. Pereira defeated Adesanya twice when they were fighting for GLORY kickboxing, and will challenge for Adesanya’s 185-pound throne in the main event at UFC 281 this weekend. Speaking with ESPN, Adesanya dismissed his opponent’s accomplishments, pointing out that despite their shared history, Pereira is not a well-rounded mixed martial artist.
“No, I don’t think [he presents the toughest challenge]. He’s very one-dimensional. He’s early on in this game as well so I’m even glad to get him now. I don’t know who he has in his corner. I know he has Glover [Teixeira] and his boxing coach. I don’t know what their background is, I don’t really mind, I just worry about me. I definitely know he’s not as smart as me in the cage.
Adesanya: “One Dimensional” Pereira Simply “Not as Smart as He Is”
I know that for a fact.” Pereira has taken to social media in the build-up to the fight, consistently poking fun at Adesanya. It’s all water off a duck’s back as far as the champ is concerned.
“It’s giving Robert Whittaker before UFC 243. I said the same thing, I’m like, ‘You’re acting out of character.’ It’s giving [Paulo] Costa vibes as well before [UFC] 253. I was like why are you making all these skits?
But yeah, I didn’t say anything back, I don’t react. You’re asking me about it now so I have to respond, but I’m not going to respond properly until we’re in that octagon then I’ll respond properly. When I respond properly, he’ll understand what I’m saying.”
Adesanya, who remains undefeated at 185 pounds and clearly plans on keeping things that way, has a few options ahead of him. Among them is a return to the light heavyweight division, where he attempted an ill-fated tilt at the belt, only to endure his first MMA loss at the hands of Jan Blachowicz. With Blachowicz gone and the 205-pound title currently occupied by a fellow striker in Jiri Prochazka, perhaps another “side mission” is around the corner.
“I will do another side mission [at light heavyweight], even without the belt. Just to have that win at 205 and then just say I did it, you know? That’d be fun because I know I can do it. I just want to tick that one off then come back to 185 and rule with my iron black fist.”
What’s your prediction for UFC 281? Let us know in the comments.
