Israel Adesanya reveals the two-word message Alex Pereira had for him after UFC 281 battle
Israel Adesanya was defeated at 185lbs for the first time at UFC 281 when he was TKO'd by Alex Pereira in the fifth round.
The new champion is now 3-0 against 'The Last Stylebender' in combat sports, as 'Poatan' had already defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing before their first MMA meeting. The bad blood between the two was evident heading into the fight.
However, Israel Adesanya admitted that the pair briefly exchanged pleasantries following their fight.
'The Last Stylebender' appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani following his loss, where the reporter asked the former champion how he felt about 'Poatan'. Adesanya said the following:
"I don't know him as a person. I told him after the fight, when I took a bow to the crowd, he came up to me and said, 'Hey, hey... respect, respect.' And I was like, 'I don't like you, you don't like me, but respect.' And we shook hands."
When Helwani asked Adesanya why he doesn't like Pereira personally, 'The Last Stylebender' stated:
"Energies don't mix and that's okay. This is war. So war still wages on."
Watch the video below from 21:38:
Adesanya was stopped for the first time in his professional MMA career after absorbing a barrage of brutal blows from 'Poatan'.
It is unclear whether or not 'The Last Stylebender' will get an immediate rematch with Pereira. However, Adesanya admitted in his post-fight interview that he will face 'Poatan' in the octagon again, even if not for the title.
Israel Adesanya on the immediate feelings he had after losing the title
Israel Adesanya was dethroned at UFC 281 in New York last weekend by his nemesis Alex Pereira.
The defeat was somewhat of a shock to many, as Adesanya looked to be heading towards another successful title defense before being stopped in the fifth round.
Adesanya spoke to Helwani about his feelings of relief and gratitude after the fight:
"Afterwards, win, lose or draw, there's a sense of relief that I'm here, I'm healthy and I didn't have to go to the hospital. I did very well and I get to go home to my family and friends. That's where that sense of gratitude and relief comes from."
Watch the video below: