Alex Pereira (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Alex Pereira has been one of Israel Adesanya’s greatest rivals to date. But, following his win at UFC 291, Adesanya praised his former foe’s performance.

Pereira took on Jan Blachowicz at the event, which took place in Salt Lake City, Utah. The bout marked the first time the former middleweight champ was competing at light-heavyweight in a MMA bout, and Pereira won the fight via split decision.

After watching Pereira defeat Blachowicz, Adesanaya reportedly had this to say about the Brazilian fighter on his YouTube channel (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Alex won – looked good at light heavyweight. Also, elevation – we have to consider that as well,” Adesanya said. “Crafty from Jan. He did the right thing to try and sneak the victory, but wasn’t enough. Alex now vs. Jiri (Prochazka) probably for the belt, I’m going to assume.”

Adesanya also credited Pereira for his defensive wrestling abilities during the contest.

“…Beautiful defense. Good way to not balance himself – corrected it. Good lad.”

At UFC 291, Pereira (8-2) was fighting for the first time since he was knocked out by Adesanya (24-2) in April. Last November, Pereira ended Adesanya’s first reign as middleweight champion by stopping him in round four.

The former GLORY champ also defeated Adesanya twice during their respective kickboxing careers.