Israel Adesanya releases intense training montage ahead of Alex Pereira fight

As arguably the biggest fight of his career in the sport edges closer, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has released footage of his intense training under Eugene Bareman.

The New Zealander will collide with Alex Periera for the third time across two sports, and expects to put on a show. He also aims to silence those who are beginning to doubt his ability. Despite being one of the best strikers in MMA, the 185lb king has been criticized for his supposed lack of intent on finishing his opponents.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Israel Adesanya showcased exactly how seriously he is taking his camp leading up to UFC 281. He quoted Floyd Mayweather by saying that this is a must-win fight for him against Alex Pereira.

"I just felt fatigued in my muscles, but my mind was pushing, so I was like, 'I don't care, I'll say less, this fu**ing whole fight week, I'll say less, but I'll speak violence. Talk sh** all you want, but trust, you'll soon find out. And then when I'm gone, you'll fu**ing regret it. You'll appreciate me more when I'm gone... Forget every other fight. If there's ever a fight I have to win, it's this one... That's why everything's been different this camp, there's no excuses. If there's ever a fight I have to win, it's this one."

Despite only signing for the UFC in 2018, this upcoming bout on November 12 will be the 9th time in just 13 appearances that the Nigerian-born champion has headlined an event.

Watch Israel Adesanya push himself to the limits while training alongside Dan Hooker and Brad Riddell in the video below.

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What makes the Alex Pereira fight so different for Israel Adesanya?

Although he has faced a number of dangerous competitors in the past, Israel Adesanya has never stepped into the octagon against somebody as frightening to his style as Alex Pereira.

'Poatan' is not only an elite striker who is one of the most dangerous fighters on the feet, but he has also bested 'The Last Stylebender' on two separate occasions. The most recent fight ended via knockout.

While seeking revenge for his losses in kickboxing, Adesanya has a chip on his shoulder after being labeled "boring" by the fanbase. This is something he will likely want to eradicate with a stellar performance against the Brazilian powerhouse.