Alex Pereira Backs Adesanya Ahead Of UFC Seattle Comeback Bout Against Pyfer

Former two-division champion Alex Pereira has offered words of support to long-time rival Israel Adesanya before the Nigerian-born star’s return at UFC Seattle on March 28.

Adesanya faces rising contender Joe Pyfer at the Climate Pledge Arena in a bout widely viewed as pivotal for the 36-year-old, who has lost three of his last four fights and has been out for more than a year following a knockout defeat to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025.

Pereira took to Instagram with a public message to his former opponent.

“Saturday is fight night once again. Much respect to Israel Adesanya, we’ve shared the octagon and moments that became part of my journey. That loss taught me a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a man. I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to reach a higher level in the sport and in life,” Pereira wrote.

“Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there, the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice. That’s why I wish you a great fight. Go in focused and show your best. We keep evolving. See you at the top, CHAMA.”

Their rivalry spans kickboxing and MMA. Pereira beat Adesanya twice under Glory of Heroes and again at UFC 281 before Adesanya reclaimed the middleweight title with a knockout at UFC 287. The pair were later seen together cageside at UFC 312, signalling a thaw in relations.

Adesanya called the Pyfer fight the biggest of his life.

“I always feel like I have something to prove. What I want to do in this fight is make people go, ‘He’s the GOAT.’ I want people to realise, he’s that good even after a year off, after he’s down three fights in the skid. I feel unstoppable,” he said.

“I feel like people haven’t seen my full array of skills yet. I just want to show off a lot of skills that I haven’t shown off yet. You’ll see me do things I’ve never done before because I feel like they’ll be presented to me.”

Meanwhile, Pereira continues his ascent and is targeting heavyweight action against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 this summer.