Nina-Marie Daniele calls for Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya rematch: "One of the best UFC rivalries!"

Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira isn't just one of the best rivalries in MMA history; it's one of the best in combat sports. Starting their rivalry in kickboxing back in 2016 and seemingly ending it in MMA in 2023, 'Poatan' and 'The Last Stylebender' put on some of the most exciting fights any martial arts fan would appreciate.

The four-fight series was as violent as it was dramatic, showcasing the polarized personalities of Pereira and Adesanya, as well as their contrasting fighting styles. While Adesanya is outspoken and prefers a slick, counter-striking style, Pereira is stoic and utilizes a bulldozing form of attack.

Full Violence posted a tribute video to one of their fights on Instagram with the caption:

"Adesanya: 'I’m ready to d*e.' | Poatan: 'I’m ready to k*ll.'hThese two were for meant for each other to fight. Legendary rivalry. 🥶

Popular MMA media personality Nina-Marie Daniele commented on the video, calling for something most fans are wishing to see:

"Hope they do another fight at LHW! One of the best UFC rivalries!"

Nina-Marie Daniele's comment. [Image credit: @fullviolence on Instagram]

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Alex Pereira shows respect for Israel Adesanya, happy their rivalry "stayed in the ring"

Despite being ready for anything every time they step inside the octagon across each other, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira never took their animosity outside of competition. If you see them talk trash in the pre-fight and fight in the octagon, however, you'd swear they truly hate each other's guts.

Pereira beat Adesanya twice in kickboxing, knocking him out in the second bout. 'The Last Stylebender' shortly transitioned into MMA and became the UFC middleweight champion. 'Poatan' shortly followed and challenged the African-Kiwi champion for the belt, once again stopping him with strikes.

In the fourth and final fight of their rivalry, Adesanya avenged his three straight losses by flatlining his Brazilian rival with strikes. While the two stand at 3-1 in favor of Pereira, Adesanya may have had the last laugh.

'Poatan' moved up to 205 pounds and won the title there, seemingly ending the rivalry. Adesanya himself confirmed that the rivalry is behind him now and congratulated Pereira for his successes at light-heavyweight.

Alex Pereira appreciates this, telling Ariel Helwani in an interview [translated]:

"I think it was a real nice thing that he did. I have a lot of respect in the fact that the rivalry stayed in the ring. You know what I mean? We're waving that off. And I like the way that he said that [he's] cheering for me and saying that he's the only guy that ever beat me. In his place, I would have done the same. I want to be the only guy that beats somebody so I think it was very nice and I like that a lot."

Listen to Alex Pereira's comments here: