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Israel Adesanya reflects on rivalry with Alex Pereira: ‘I always knew I could beat him’

Ahead of his return this weekend, Israel Adesanya has fond memories on his four-fight series with foe, Alex Pereira — claiming he always “knew” he could beat the Brazilian — despite dropping a trio of consecutive losses against the Brazilian megastar.

Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight champion, returns to action this weekend in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, making the trip to Riyadh to take on the streaking Russian-French contender, Nassourdine Imavov over the course of five rounds in a pivotal pairing.

Israel Adesanya closing as betting favorite to beat Nassourdine Imavov in UFC Saudi Arabia showdown
Israel Adesanya reflects on rivalry with Alex Pereira: 'I always knew I could beat him' 2

Entering the matchup off the back of a two-fight losing skid, City Kickboxing star, Israel Adesanya dropped a recent submission loss to Dricus du Plessis back in August, having suffered a shutout unanimous decision defeat to common-foe, Sean Strickland the summer prior in a championship fight upset.