Why Alex Pereira is rooting for arch-nemesis Israel Adesanya ahead of Dricus du Plessis fight

Alex Pereira (left) supports Israel Adesanya's (right) upcoming fight against Dricus du Plessis (inset). [Images courtsey: @alexpoatanpereira, @stylebender and @dricusduplessis on Instagram]

It appears Alex Pereira still holds that share of respect for his former opponent Israel Adesanya. Pereira is rooting for Adesanya ahead of his scheduled octagon return in a title fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305. The pay-per-view event is set to take place on Aug. 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Adesanya, who hasn't competed in the UFC since losing his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, will have the opportunity to become the first three-time middleweight champion in the promotion when he faces du Plessis in a grudge match.

Pereira, who has four combat sports bouts against Adesanya under his resume, with two victories in kickboxing and one in mixed martial arts, is hoping the Nigerian-born Kiwi does well against du Plessis. In a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion expressed his support for 'The Last Stylebender', saying:

''[People] asked me about [Israel] Adesanya and [Dricus] du Plessis, I said I don’t see Adesanya losing. Just because he said that about me, doesn’t mean I’ll say it back. It’s what I think. I don’t think he loses this fight. I hope he wins because he has a beautiful story. I think he has to continue his story.''

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Adesanya has been consistently predicting against Pereira for the latter's title fights at UFC 300 and UFC 303. However, 'Poatan' stated he would be cheering for his longtime rival to get his hand raised at UFC 305 rather than responding with the same prediction.

“The people who truly know him that I had contact with, talk good about him. Has a good heart. A lot of the times it’s just marketing. I believe that. I can see he is a good person. So that’s why I’m here, cheering for him. If he doesn’t cheer for me, that’s not my problem. But I’m here, cheering for him.”

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Alex Pereira shares his prediction for Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus du Plessis fight

Alex Pereira has expressed his thoughts on archrival Israel Adesanya's upcoming fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305.

During the UFC 303 media day, Pereira was questioned regarding how he thought the Adesanya vs. du Plessis bout would play out. In response, 'Poatan' said that Adesanya would probably win against du Plessis.