Not many people get the opportunity to show how great they are and to rise to the occasion when all odds are stacked against them. I feel like the underdog.
“Because of what happened in the last fight people have goldfish memories. They’ve forgotten what I’ve done in this game and it’s time to remind people how great I am.”
Nigeria-born New Zealander Adesanya, 33, unified the middleweight division in 2019 and defended it five times before running into long-time nemesis Pereira.
Adesanya lost kickboxing fights to Pereira in 2016 and 2017, the latter defeat his final showing in the sport before transitioning full-time to MMA.
Pereira joined the UFC in 2021, winning his first three fights to be fast-tracked into a title bout and third meeting with Adesanya.
Despite being a betting underdog after spending significantly less time in the octagon than Adesanya, Pereira secured a fifth-round stoppage to stun the champion.
Adesanya is taking inspiration from American rapper Eminem as he tries to reclaim the middleweight title.
“I’m down two fights in kickboxing and one in MMA. This is my one shot, my Eminem moment,” said Adesanya.
“You get one shot. Don’t miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime and this is it.
“Imagine if I get it done better than he’s ever done it? I don’t keep score I settle them and he who laughs last laughs best.”
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Adesanya’s flamboyant striking, craftiness in the cage and mastery of distance control has seen him outclass opponents such as Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa, and many believe he was outpointing Pereira in their New York bout until the fifth round.
“I know how I can beat this guy. Every time I fight this guy I’m dominating him, but he has this special ability to recover and put his foot on the gas, so I have to find a way to take him out of the driver’s seat, which I will,” said Adesanya.
“He doesn’t bother me or annoy me. You guys know usually I’m peaking around the corner at what’s next – I set up my next fights on the sly – but this time I’m dead focused on him, my target, between the eyes.
“I’m like an excited dog outside the park. I’m having to tell my body to chill, but soon I’ll be unleashed.”
Pereira said: “People say he was dominating me in the last fight. If Israel wants to see it that way, that’s OK, but I see it a little bit different.
