The rivalry between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya has captivated the combat sports world. With Pereira holding two wins over Adesanya in kickboxing and one win and one loss in MMA, fans are clamoring for a third showdown in the octagon. But will Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3 actually happen? Let's delve into the possibilities and factors at play.

A Look Back at the Legendary Rivalry

Before we dive into the potential for a third fight, let's rewind and appreciate the history between these two incredible athletes. Their paths first crossed in the world of kickboxing, where Pereira twice defeated Adesanya, once by a devastating knockout. These victories established Pereira as a formidable opponent for Adesanya, a shadow that would loom over his mixed martial arts career.

The transition to MMA brought their rivalry to a global stage. Adesanya, already a dominant UFC middleweight champion, finally met Pereira in the octagon at UFC 281. Pereira once again emerged victorious, snatching the title from Adesanya in a thrilling come-from-behind knockout. This loss was a major blow to Adesanya's reign, and it fueled his desire for revenge.

Adesanya got his chance at redemption in their immediate rematch at UFC 287. This time, "The Last Stylebender" rose to the occasion, delivering a stunning knockout of his own to reclaim the middleweight championship. The victory not only avenged his previous losses but also evened the score in their MMA rivalry, setting the stage for a potential trilogy fight that has been on everyone's minds since.

The intensity and drama of their fights have been a major draw for fans. Each fight has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with exciting striking exchanges, strategic adjustments, and dramatic finishes. The clash of styles, with Pereira's powerful striking and Adesanya's elusive movement and diverse attack, makes for a compelling and unpredictable matchup. Guys, that's why we all want to see it again!

Factors Influencing a Potential Trilogy

Several factors will influence whether Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3 comes to fruition. These include the fighters' career trajectories, current weight divisions, and the UFC's plans.

Career Trajectories and Current Status

Adesanya is still a top contender in the middleweight division. After losing his title to Sean Strickland, he's taking some time off but is expected to return to the octagon, possibly with a renewed focus and determination to reclaim his spot at the top.

Pereira, on the other hand, has moved up to the light heavyweight division, where he captured the title by defeating Jan Błachowicz and defended it against Jiri Prochazka. This move presents a significant hurdle for a potential third fight, as it would require one of them to change weight classes.

Weight Class Considerations

The most obvious obstacle is the weight difference. Adesanya is firmly planted at middleweight, while Pereira is the light heavyweight champion. For the trilogy to happen, either Adesanya would have to move up to light heavyweight, or Pereira would have to cut back down to middleweight. Both options present challenges.

Adesanya moving up to light heavyweight would be a significant risk, as he would be facing larger and stronger opponents. Pereira cutting back down to middleweight would also be difficult, as it could affect his performance and health. The weight cut could be brutal, and it's unclear if he could still perform at his best at 185 pounds.

The UFC's Perspective

The UFC also plays a crucial role in making the fight happen. From a promotional standpoint, Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3 is a massive draw. The history, the drama, and the excitement surrounding their previous encounters make it a highly marketable event. However, the UFC also has to consider the logistics and the implications for their different weight divisions.

The UFC might prefer to keep Pereira as the light heavyweight champion, as he brings a new level of excitement and star power to the division. They might also have other plans for Adesanya at middleweight, such as potential matchups with rising contenders or rematches with past opponents. Ultimately, the UFC's decision will depend on what they believe is best for business and the overall landscape of their divisions.

Arguments for and Against the Trilogy

Let's break down the arguments for and against Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3 to get a clearer picture of the likelihood of it happening.

Why It Should Happen

• Unfinished Business: The rivalry is tied at 1-1 in MMA, with each fighter holding a knockout victory over the other. This alone warrants a third fight to determine the ultimate winner.
• Fan Demand: The fans are clamoring for it. The previous fights have been incredibly exciting, and the anticipation for a third encounter is immense.
• Marketability: From a promotional standpoint, it's a guaranteed blockbuster. The UFC would undoubtedly generate significant revenue from a trilogy fight.

Why It Might Not Happen

• Weight Class Differences: As mentioned earlier, the weight difference is a major obstacle. It would require one of the fighters to make a significant change, which could impact their performance.
• Risk vs. Reward: For both fighters, there's a considerable risk involved. Adesanya would be facing a bigger opponent, while Pereira would have to endure a difficult weight cut. The reward might not outweigh the risk, especially if they have other compelling options in their respective divisions.
• UFC's Plans: The UFC might have other plans for both fighters. They might prefer to keep them in their respective divisions to create new matchups and storylines.

Potential Scenarios for the Fight

Despite the challenges, there are a few scenarios in which Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3 could still happen.

Adesanya Moves Up to Light Heavyweight

This scenario would involve Adesanya moving up to light heavyweight to challenge Pereira for the title. It would be a bold move, but it would also be a high-risk, high-reward situation. Adesanya would have to bulk up and adapt to fighting larger opponents, but he would also have the opportunity to become a two-division champion and cement his legacy.

Pereira Moves Back Down to Middleweight

This scenario would involve Pereira cutting back down to middleweight to challenge Adesanya. It would be a difficult and potentially dangerous weight cut, but it would also be a chance for Pereira to reclaim the middleweight title and prove that he can still compete at that weight. This is less likely given his success at light heavyweight.

A Catchweight Bout

A catchweight bout is another possibility. This would involve both fighters agreeing to meet at a weight somewhere in between middleweight and light heavyweight. It would eliminate the need for a drastic weight cut for either fighter, but it could also be seen as a less legitimate way to settle the rivalry.

What the Fighters Have Said

Both Pereira and Adesanya have addressed the possibility of a third fight in various interviews and social media posts. Their comments offer some insight into their mindset and the likelihood of it happening.

Adesanya has expressed his willingness to fight Pereira again, but he has also emphasized that he is focused on his own career and his goals in the middleweight division. He has stated that he would be open to moving up to light heavyweight for the right opportunity, but it would have to make sense for him.

Pereira has also expressed his interest in fighting Adesanya again, but he has also stated that he is happy at light heavyweight and is focused on defending his title. He has said that he would be willing to move back down to middleweight for the right price, but it would have to be a lucrative offer.

The Verdict: Will We See Pereira vs. Adesanya 3?

So, will we see Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3? The answer, unfortunately, is maybe. While the demand is there and the rivalry is compelling, the weight class differences and the UFC's plans make it a challenging fight to make.

As of right now, I'd say the probability of it happening is around 50/50. It's not impossible, but it's also not a guarantee. A lot will depend on the fighters' career trajectories, their willingness to compromise, and the UFC's strategic decisions. Ultimately, only time will tell if we get to witness another chapter in this epic rivalry.

One thing is for sure: if it does happen, it will be a fight for the ages. The clash of styles, the history, and the stakes involved would make it a must-see event for any combat sports fan. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that we get to see Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 3 in the future!