Israel Adesanya sends Alex Pereira advice as his next opponent could be decided at UFC 308
Israel Adesanya's rivarly with Alex Pereira is one of the most legendary across combat sports. The pair have gone to war on four separate occasions, twice in kickboxing and twice in MMA, with the Brazilian holding a 3-1 aggregate lead.
Their rivalry was arguably at its highest point during their two fights in the UFC. But since Pereira's move from middleweight to light heavyweight in 2023, the pair have exchanged more respectful words about each other.
'Poatan' recently defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 to defend his light heavyweight title. It marked his third championship fight of 2024, a year in which he has been incredibly active.
Perennial contender at 205 pounds Magomed Ankalaev will be competing at UFC 308 on Oct. 26 against Aleksandar Rakic. Should the Russian win, he is expected to be Pereira's next opponent.
'The Last Stylebender' recently broke down this weekend's pay-per-view card, and while discussing Ankalaev vs. Rakic, he shared the following advice with his former foe:
"If [Ankalaev] beats [Rakic], yeah, who else is there for Alex to fight? He should fight Alex next. But Alex should just chill. Advice, he doesn't need it but he should just chill. He's just been going and going, and right now, 'cause he's the most active fighter right now, the most active champ right now. So he should just relax and probably fight early next year."
Catch Israel Adesanya's advice to Alex Pereira below (5:08):
Israel Adesanya predicts UFC 308 main event between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway
UFC 308 will see the featherweight title contested between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway in arguably the most anticipated fight of MMA's 2024 season.
It will be battle between Topuria's showstopping power and Holloway's near-indestructible chin.
Both fighters have showcased stellar performances this year, with 'El Matador' defeating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to win the title and the Hawaiian knocking out Justin Gaethje in the final second of their UFC 300 clash to win the BMF title.
Ahead of the bout, Israel Adesanya shared his prediction, saying:
"I just feel like if Ilia is going to win, it's going to be early...so I'm trying to visualize Max being dropped and I can't see it. Like, being knocked out. I can't see it... I'm going to go Max Holloway because I feel with his depth of work, the bodies he's encountered in the octagon, the experience, the octagon time he has...I think when it comes to round four and five, that's where he's going to thrive." [12:36-14:22]