Israel Adesanya believes he can mirror Floyd Mayweather's attitude to big fights when he takes on bitter UFC rival Alex Pereira.
'The Last Stylebender' will make his return to the Octagon next weekend in one of his biggest middleweight title defences yet at UFC 281 in Madison Square Garden. Adesanya has already fought his Brazilian opponent during his time in the kickboxing ranks, with Pereira emerging victorious in both outings. He is the only fighter to have knocked the Nigerian out cold, doing so in their 2018 rematch.
Much has changed since the pair fought and their trilogy bout will represent a significant test for the champion, who has yet to be defeated at 185lb during his dominant reign as UFC champion. Adesanya has observed boxing legend Mayweather's focus during his fight with Manny Pacquiao, where the undefeated star claimed he just focused on the one fight.
