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Israel Adesanya Closes Pereira Chapter, Eyes Freer Fights After Three-Defeat Slide

He frames saying “I’m retired” as shorthand to deflect constant questions.

Overview

  • At a Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA Q&A, Adesanya said his rivalry with Alex Pereira is finished and that it was always about proving something to himself.
  • He praised Pereira’s rise at light heavyweight, calling him a two-time champion and saying he hopes Pereira never loses and retires undefeated.
  • Adesanya clarified that he still intends to compete despite telling people he is retired, explaining the phrase is a convenient response during his hiatus.
  • He said his priorities have shifted away from chasing titles and he aims to fight more freely, take risks, and recapture the creativity of his pre-title run.
  • The former two-time middleweight champion is regrouping after three straight defeats, including a Round 2 TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov, and he previously ended the Pereira saga with a UFC 287 knockout.