Alex Pereira Taking UFC ‘Step By Step,’ Doesn’t Care If He Faces Israel Adesanya Or Not

Alex Pereira said he’s moved past Israel Adesanya.

Ever since Pereira signed with the UFC, he’s been referred to as the sole person to knock out UFC middleweight champion Adesanya. But the Brazilian martial artist has his eyes set claiming UFC gold.

“I didn’t come here after Adesanya, I came here to be a champion. Who knows, maybe by the time I get there he’s no longer the champion anymore,” Pereira said (via MMAjunkie.com).

Pereira made his UFC debut just a week ago and won via flying knee against Andreas Michailidis.

Pereira is the former Glory Kickboxing champion in two different weight categories: middleweight and light heavyweight.

Pereira and Adesanya shared the ring under kickboxing rules twice. Once, Pereira earned a unanimous decision victory but also earned KO win with a tremendous left hook.

Pereira’s professional record is 4-1. He earned all four victories via KO and suffered only one loss via submission.

Adesanya previously said he hopes Pereira does well in the organization and hoped to see him in the next four fights. But first, the New Zealand star will most likely make his next title defense against Robert Whittaker in a rematch in February.

Pereira also competed in the middleweight division.

“So I’m just taking it step by step. I just got to the organization and I’m just aiming to be a champion here. If I get there and it’s him, fine. If it’s not him, I’ll work with what I have,” Pereira added.