Pereira Reacts To Adesanya’s ‘Break’ From MMA – ‘He’s Just Confused’
In the latest MMA news, Alex Pereira reacted to Israel Adesanya’s recent decision to take a break from MMA.
The former middleweight champion’s comments about taking some time off came in the aftermath of his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293.
The latter shocked the MMA community by dominating Adesanya, which included dropping him in the first round, before going on to secure the win via a unanimous decision.
“Now I’m going to take time to look after myself, and I’m not going to fight for a long time. I’m definitely not going to retire because I know me — I’m not leaving like that. I know me. But if I did, I’m fine. I don’t need to prove anything else. But I know what I can do and what I can change in my lifestyle to make my body adapt to where I need to be. I’m going to heal myself up. You won’t see me fight for a long time,” Adesanya revealed
That disrupted Adesanya’s plans of facing Dricus Du Plessis as the latter targeted fight with Strickland instead. The loss also ruled out Pereira’s wish of having a trilogy fight since Adesanaya no longer had the belt.
After all, Pereira decided to move up to light heavyweight following his loss to Adesanya. In response, this is what Pereira had to say.
Pereira On Adesanya
“It’s hard to say anything about it because it’s hard to understand Adesanya on that position. He’s saying that he’s going to take all this time off, but it’s not only about money. The guy already made his money. It’s not about that. He likes to fight. So maybe he’s just confused so he has to hold on and see what’s next. I think he comes back earlier than that and faster than everybody believes,” Pereira stated
At the same time, Adesanya is desperate to see Francis Ngannou get back to fighting under MMA rules. The former UFC heavyweight champion had just made his boxing debut against the WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.
Despite losing via a split-decision, Ngannou put in an impressive performance as his stock rose. That has earned the fighter huge praise with suggestions that he could fight Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua next.
And yet, Adesanya simply wanted Ngannou to return to MMA, given that he is expected to make his PFL debut next year.
Adesanya On Ngannou
“I like fighting, and I like Francis boxing. It’s exciting, yes. … I just want to see him use all f*cking limbs. When we see him in those shorts with those f*cking legs and arms, and he looks like a f*cking juggernaut, slings that leg at someone … Patient Francis hits that jab. That’s my pugilism is mixed martial arts, even though I love boxing. I still want to see him fight (MMA and not just box),” Adesanya said
Ultimately, if the break helps Adesanya return to form, then that can only be a good thing. Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingblitz.
