Glover Teixeira: Israel Adesanya will think twice about fighting Alex Pereira in UFC

SINGAPORE – Glover Teixeira believes UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will think twice about fighting Alex Pereira in the octagon.

Teixeira, the UFC light heavyweight champion who makes his first title defense against Jiir Prochazka this Saturday at UFC 275, believes Pereira will be a tough sell for Adesanya given their past in kickboxing. Teixeira has been working with Pereira while he transitions from kickboxing to MMA.

“Adesanya fought him with kickboxing gloves, and he knows how hard he hits and with MMA gloves, who knows,” Teixeira told reporters at UFC 275 media day. “I don’t know if he’s going to take that fight that easy. I think he’s going to have a conversation with Dana White to try and get away from that fight because when you lose to a guy two times, you know how dangerous he is and how hard he hits.

“Looking at Adesnaya vs. (Jan) Blachowicz. His best chance to beat Alex is the standup, and he already lost two times, so it’s going to be tough for him to fight Alex.”

Pereira, a former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion, is the only man to have knocked out Adesanya in combat sports. He put away the current UFC champ during their second meeting bout back in 2017. Prior to that, they two had fought in 2016, and Pereira also took home a win by unanimous decision.

Pereira turned to MMA in 2015. He lost his pro debut but since has picked up five consecutive wins, with four by knockout. The Brazilian is scheduled to take on top contender Sean Strickland on July 30 at UFC 277.

Teixeira wants to see Pereira challenge for gold with a win next month.

“That’s what we hope so because it’s right there, and Adesanya and him would be a great fight,” Teixeira said. “It all depends on all situations and Dana and Adesanya, if he really wants to take that fight.”