Israel Adesanya says his rivalry with UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira could be the “greatest storyline in MMA history”.
The pair meet for a fourth time at UFC 287 in Miami on Saturday, with Pereira winning all three previous fights.
The Brazilian, 35, has won twice in kickboxing and once in MMA, claiming the UFC title in November.
His latest victory ended Adesanya’s three-year dominance of the division.
“This is probably one of, if not the greatest storyline in MMA history,” said Adesanya.
“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.”
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