In the time that Israel Adesanya has been away from the Octagon following the longest break of his UFC career, his former rival has been firing on all cylinders.
"The Last Stylebender" is always going to have a special connection with Alex Pereira following the four times that they have competed against one another.
While Pereira may have beaten him three times with Adesanya getting revenge in their most recent rematch in MMA, he also has a lot of respect for his former foe.
He is set to return this weekend at UFC 305 to try and reclaim the title that he lost to Sean Strickland after winning the belt back from Pereira.
Since that huge victory against his Brazilian nemesis, Pereira seems to have only gotten stronger by moving up to light heavyweight, becoming champion and making himself one of the biggest stars in the promotion.
Israel Adesanya Shows Love To His Former Rival Alex Pereira
Adesanya doesn't hold a grudge against Pereira due to their history with one another and the same can be said for "Poatan".
Both men have been very complimentary of one another now that their feud has been settled, at least, for the time being.
In a fight week interview with Daniel Cormier, Adesanya took the time to give props to the man that has caused him more problems inside the cage or ring than anyone else.
I watched the Pereira fight again last night, it was on YouTube, and I was just like scrolling past and I watched it and there was certain sequences I was just like, I was making him move back. I was really pushing him back and for me, I'm so happy with what he's doing right now, I'm like bro...
After Cormier responded by asking, "Can you believe how good this dude is?", to which Adesanya made it very clear that he knows better than almost anyone just how good Pereira is.
I know! I fought him four times! I f****** know! Bro, every time I fought him, I knew I could get him till he got me and then now, here we are.