In a heartwarming encounter at the UFC Performance Institute (PI) in Las Vegas, UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira and former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman shared a moment that resonated with fans and fighters alike.
The video begins with Pereira and Usman exchanging greetings, highlighting their shared connections within the UFC community.
Through translations provided by Pereira’s coach, Plinio Cruz, Pereira playfully mentioned that since he and Israel Adesanya have become friends, Usman should also befriend him.
Usman responded warmly, stating, “Of course. Never not friends. When you’re warriors, hey, never not friends. We share the same spirit.”
This exchange is particularly notable given the history between Pereira and Adesanya, Usman’s close friend and fellow Nigerian. Their rivalry, which began in kickboxing and transitioned into the UFC, has evolved into mutual respect, paving the way for new friendships within the fighting community.
The conversation took an amusing turn when Usman inquired about Pereira’s English skills. Expecting a response in Portuguese, Usman was pleasantly surprised when Pereira replied in English, showcasing his progress in learning the language.
This unexpected exchange added a light-hearted touch to their meeting, further endearing them to fans.
This interaction comes at a significant time for both fighters. Pereira is gearing up to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 9, 2025.
A victory in this bout would mark his fourth title defense in less than a year, potentially surpassing Jon Jones’s record of four defenses in 364 days set in 2012.
Usman, on the other hand, continues to be a prominent figure in the welterweight division, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
Fans and fellow fighters have lauded this wholesome moment, emphasizing the importance of respect and camaraderie in combat sports.
