"How the tables have turned" - Fans react as Israel Adesanya hopes to see Alex Pereira remain undefeated for the rest of his career

Israel Adesanya has shared one of the greatest modern-day rivalries in combat sports with Alex Pereira, as the two have been rivals dating back to their kickboxing days. 'The Last Stylebender' recently revealed that he hopes 'Poatan' remains undefeated for the rest of his mixed martial arts career.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER, the two-time middleweight champion joked:

"Regardless, I just think 'Poatan's' on a f**king tear right now. He's just too good. Bro, I hope he retires undefeated. Not undefeated, but, you know, the rest of his career. The rest of his career. F**k, it'll just be like, 'I beat that ni**a one time'."

Check out Israel Adesanya's comments on Alex Pereira below:

Fans shared their reaction to Adesanya's joke, which played off of his previous comments that Pereira would be watching him in a bar saying that. @MartinH_23 claimed the tables have turned:

"how the tables have turned"

@ITSDAFANTA hopes to see the two share the octagon one more time, which both have revealed that they are not interested in:

"They have to fight one more time. People argue it’s 2-2 somebody has to settle the score"

@geomerlo noted that they want to hear and see more from Adesanya:

"😂 😂 😂 I’m liking this version much better. Humble and funny. Get this man a fight. Wanna hear and SEE more from the former champ"

@DrStuRange shared that 'The Last Stylebender's' stance makes it easier to appreciate his UFC 287 knockout victory against Pereira:

"I’m so glad to see Izzy actually changing his stance on wanting Poatan to lose. It makes me as a fight fan appreciate his win over Alex more."

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Israel Adesanya shares prediction for Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree

Alex Pereira will look for his third light heavyweight title defense in 2024 when he faces Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307 this weekend. Israel Adesanya shared his prediction for the bout during a recent appearance on The Adam Carolla Show.

Rallying in for Pereira, Adesanya said:

"I'll go Pereira because momentum right now. Also, I just know Rountree doesn't grapple. He likes to kickbox. He's never gone for a takedown and I'm like, if you're going to do that with Pereira, there's one person who - I mean, I'm the only one who's ever even rocked him or stood with him in the UFC. Everyone else he's washed."

Check out Israel Adesanya's comments on Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree below (50:00):

Adesanya noted that he is expecting Rountree to struggle with Pereira's reach. He predicted that his long-time rival would pick up either a knockout or TKO finish, agreeing with Jason 'Mayhem' Miller that it could come in the second or third round.