Adesanya Opens Up On His UFC Loss, Says Pereira’s ‘Juju’ Is Real—-Nigerian-born UFC star Israel Adesanya has suggested that his rival Alex Pereira’s spiritual influence, or “juju,” is a legitimate factor in their fights.

During a recent appearance on the “JRE MMA Show” hosted by Joe Rogan, the former middleweight champion backed claims made by ex-light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka about Pereira’s connection to shamanic practices.

“You know what Jiri said about the whole juju thing? That’s real. That’s real,” Adesanya affirmed, referencing Prochazka’s previous statements accusing Pereira of using spiritual forces in his fighting.

Adesanya highlighted the eerie similarities between his UFC losses to Pereira and their previous matchups in Glory kickboxing, suggesting a pattern linked to these spiritual forces.

“When I fought him in Miami, the guy beat me in the biggest arena, Madison Square Garden, just like he did the last time in Brazil,” Adesanya recounted.

Reflecting on the moments leading up to his losses, Adesanya noted how he often seemed to be in control before Pereira staged a late comeback. “I was beating him, had him hurt at the end of the first round… and then he gets me in the last round,” Adesanya explained.

He attributed these turnarounds to more than just physical ability, suggesting a deeper spiritual element. “It’s his spirit, his ancestors, or his people praying for him… There’s something about him—he knows how to recover well,” Adesanya added.

While acknowledging his own spiritual practices, such as relying on his parents’ prayers and fasting, Adesanya hinted that Pereira’s spiritual backing may give him an advantage.

For his part, Pereira has shrugged off the supernatural claims, asserting that belief in spirits is personal and that everyone possesses them. He expressed contentment with how his spiritual connections have supported his career.

With this latest development, the fierce rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira has taken on a mystical dimension, raising the question of whose spiritual strength will ultimately prevail in their future battles.