UFC 300: Israel Adesanya vs. Khamzat Chimaev Shut Down by Alex Pereira as “Support” for Rival Confessed

 Alex Pereira has come out in support of Israel Adesanya! The two men have a history that spans their careers in kickboxing to the UFC. However, recently, there seems to be a change as Pereira has indicated that he has moved on from their rivalry. In a recent interview, he stated that he may even be open to training with Adesanya.

And so, during a recent press conference, Pereira revealed what he thinks about ‘The Last Stylebender’s journey to reclaiming the UFC title he lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last year. His comments indicate respect between the two, despite their clashes as competitors. And he also provided an interesting perspective on Adesanya possibly taking on Khamzat Chimaev next!

Alex Pereira “supports” Israel Adesanya skipping Khamzat Chimaev for his next fight

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Alex Pereira revealed that if he and  Israel Adesanya never step into the cage against each other in the future, he will be open to training with his rival. He stated, “…when still competing, it’s good to have a big rivalry, but after it’s done, you can’t hold on to it. “

As such, during a recent press conference, Pereira was asked about his thoughts on Israel Adesanya’s challenge for the middleweight title. And the question also contained an inquiry about Adesanya taking on Khamzat Chimaev next before he fights for the belt.

Pereira responded by stating, “I think he’s put in the work, he’s done a lot and it’s really up to him, if he feels like he needs another fight, I would support him. And if he’s going straight for the belt, then I can support him for that as well.”

His comments highlight the support he has for Adesanya and that he has seemingly moved past their previous rivalry as fighters. However, his statement about Adesanya going straight for the belt indicates that Khamzat Chimaev, who could be the next opponent for ‘The Last Stylebender’, may find himself getting skipped if Adesanya decides to aim for the champion, Dricus Du Plessis, next instead.

His acknowledgment of Adesanya’s possible bypassing of Khamzat Chimaev for a title shot indicates the complexity of the middleweight division’s landscape, and as Pereira and Adesanya continue their respective paths in the UFC, their evolving dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the sport’s narrative.

Read More: UFC News: Israel Adesanya Disagrees to Alex Pereira Being 3–1 Up in Combat Sports; Buries the Hatchet With UFC Champ

But while he supports his rival, in another interview, Alex Pereira also revealed his thoughts on the challenger for the light-heavyweight title, Jamahal Hill!

 Pereira takes a shot at Jamahal Hill ahead of UFC 300 clash

In a highly anticipated showdown, Alex Pereira is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight title against former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. However, ‘Poatan’ recently revealed that he doesn’t think Hill is the second-best fighter in the division!

During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Pereira was asked if he considers Hill to be the next best talent in the division after him. As such, the Brazilian replied by stating, “I don’t know which position I’d put him in, but at least fourth….”

He also mentioned that he’d prefer a fight against Hill over Jan Blachowicz or Jiri Prochazka if he were to move up to light heavyweight today. And so, the stage is set for an electrifying encounter that will determine the fate of the UFC light heavyweight title.

Do you think Israel Adesanya should fight for the middleweight title next or take another fight against Khamzat Chimaev? And will Jamahal Hill be able to overcome ‘Poatan’ at UFC 300? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More: Alex Pereira Opens up on taking Glover Teixeira’s Revenge to “Heart” ahead of Jamahal Hill UFC 300 fight – “You Get Angry Because of Your Brother”