Israel Adesanya backs Alex Pereira for historic third UFC title

Israel Adesanya wants Alex Pereira to make history at UFC White House.

The former middleweight champion posted a video to his YouTube channel this week backing Pereira to beat Ciryl Gane in the interim heavyweight title co-main event Sunday night, per MMA Mania. Pereira holds a 3-1 edge over Adesanya across their four meetings in two sports, including two UFC middleweight clashes, but the New Zealand fighter said the Brazilian's pursuit of a third divisional crown transcends their rivalry.

Adesanya compares Pereira's heavyweight move to Everest climb

"It's like seeing the first person climb Everest, or a four minute mile," Adesanya said in the video. "I just wanna see him do it." Pereira captured the light heavyweight belt after taking the middleweight strap from Adesanya at UFC 281, and no fighter has won titles in three weight classes in UFC history. Adesanya called the June 14 matchup against Gane a legitimate test — the Frenchman has footwork, grappling skills, and knockout power — but framed Pereira's shot as destiny. "This is bigger than anything," he said.

Adesanya acknowledged some fans might not understand rooting for a former opponent but said playing a role in someone achieving the unprecedented appealed to him. "To see someone achieve this and then you played a part in helping them get there? It's cool, man," he said, adding that he picked Pereira by finish. Tom Aspinall is still recovering from his own bout with Gane, leaving the heavyweight division in flux with Jon Jones' status unclear. Adesanya called the Pereira-Gane pairing exactly what the weight class needed.

UFC White House takes place June 14 at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with the interim heavyweight title on the line.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Israel Adesanya cheering former rival Alex Pereira on for third title: ‘It’s like seeing the first person climb Everest’