The Unforgettable Rivalry: Pereira vs Adesanya and the Unexpected Role of a Child

Background of the Rivalry

Alex Pereira, known as ‘Poatan’, and Israel Adesanya, the ‘Stylebender’, have created one of the most electrifying rivalries in the world of mixed martial arts. Before their middleweight title rematch at UFC 287 in April 2023, Pereira had already bested Adesanya three times across two different sports. Their rivalry took a dramatic turn in 2017 during a kickboxing rematch, where Pereira’s victory left Adesanya needing oxygen before he could stand to hear the official result.

Alessandro’s Infamous Troll Job

Adding a unique twist to their rivalry, Pereira’s then five-year-old son, Alessandro, entered the ring and mimicked being knocked out, a move that has been shared countless times over the years. This act of mimicry by a child added an unusual yet memorable dimension to the rivalry between these two fighters.

Adesanya’s Revenge and Controversy

In a dramatic turn of events, Adesanya managed to knock out Pereira in the second round of their rematch, and in an act of retribution, mimicked shooting arrows at Pereira before mockingly pointing at Pereira’s son, who was visibly upset by the defeat. Adesanya’s actions, which he later described as ‘petty’, were intended to ‘teach a lesson’ to the 12-year-old, sparking widespread discussion on the boundaries of sportsmanship.

The Aftermath and Future Prospects

Following their intense battle, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight and claimed the UFC light heavyweight championship by defeating Jiri Prochazka. Meanwhile, Adesanya faced a surprising defeat against Sean Strickland and announced a temporary break from MMA. With Pereira now setting his sights on defending his 205lb title against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 and a potential future rematch with Adesanya looming, the rivalry’s next chapter remains highly anticipated.

As the MMA community looks forward to what the future holds for these two fighters, one can’t help but wonder if Alessandro will be present at their next encounter or if the lessons of the past will keep him away from the limelight. The rivalry between Pereira and Adesanya has indeed transcended beyond the octagon, embedding itself into the personal lives of the fighters and their families, leaving fans eagerly waiting for the next installment.