Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has weighed in on the upcoming UFC 307 main event, suggesting that his longtime rival Alex Pereira may have an unconventional advantage. Adesanya, who has faced Pereira four times across two combat sports, believes there might be more to the Brazilian’s success than meets the eye.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Adesanya addressed rumors circulating about Pereira’s use of spiritual practices. “You know what Jiri [Prochazka] said about the whole JuJu thing? That’s real,” Adesanya stated, referring to previous comments made by former light heavyweight champion Prochazka about Pereira’s alleged mystical abilities.
Pereira, known for his striking prowess and devastating knockout power, has long incorporated elements of his Pataxó heritage into his pre-fight rituals. From traditional face paint to custom tribal-themed fight shorts, Pereira’s connection to his roots has been a notable aspect of his UFC career.
Adesanya recounted his own experiences facing Pereira, saying, “I was besting him, had him on the skates…and then he brought his spirits.” The New Zealand-based fighter emphasized that he wasn’t making excuses but rather acknowledging a phenomenon he believes is genuine.
Interestingly, Adesanya pointed out that the one time he defeated Pereira was when the Brazilian didn’t use his customary war paint. However, Adesanya himself wore ancestral trinkets for that bout, adding another layer to the mystical narrative.
While some may dismiss these claims as superstition, the topic of spiritual practices in combat sports is not uncommon. Other fighters, such as Josh Barnett and Jared Cannonier, have been known to incorporate various rituals or objects they believe bring them luck or strength.
As for the upcoming UFC 307 main event between Pereira and Khalil Rountree, Adesanya predicts a victory for his former rival. “I’m going to go Pereira, and I’m going to go TKO or KO,” he said, citing Pereira’s frame, defense, and power as key factors.
