Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith end rivalry in wholesome video

Alex Pereira has had a meteoric rise since joining the UFC and is today one of the most loved competitors in the sport — and that type of attention often rubs other fighters the wrong way.

‘Poatan’ has punched his way to UFC titles in two separate division’s. The Brazilian is just the ninth fighter to do so in the promotions history, despite only competing inside the octagon for three years.

During his dominance, Alex Pereira was criticized by Anthony Smith. The former light heavyweight title contender believed he had what it took to beat Pereira due to his apparent lack of ground game.

After feuding for a while — with a future matchup between the two being rumored in the past — it now looks like the pair have settled their differences. 

To the fans’ surprise, the former rivals recently sat down for an interview.

“First of all, thanks for doing this,” Smith said to Pereira to begin their discussion. “I don’t think a lot of people were probably expecting you to have a sit-down conversation with me.”

Alex Pereira responded, insisting that he is always willing to learn from fellow athletes, regardless of the history between them.

“Some people can’t imagine it because sometimes we talk a bit of trash on the internet or even because of a rivalry.”

“Even with people I’ve already fought, I always try to bring close to me because I’m a guy who’s evolving.”

“I think these people can help me and I make the most of it.”

After talking about tattoos, Anthony Smith cleared the air about their online feud and announced himself as a fan of Alex Pereira.

“Aside from the competitive rivalry or whatever it was before, I got a lot of respect for you.”

“I’m a fan of your game, I love watching you fight. Best of luck here in Salt Lake City. I really appreciate you and your whole team.”

Related: Shocking Alex Pereira and Dillon Danis sparring footage resurfaces

Pereira gave a heartwarming response, essentially putting to bed the heat the two had in the past.

“I am thankful to you for reaching out. Ever since you spoke to Glover [Teixeira], I wanted to do this interview…”

“I don’t think there is any malice, there’s no bitterness about the back and forth we had.”

Check out the full interview below.

While a fight between the two may never come to fruition, fans won’t have to wait long to see Alex Pereira back in action.

The light heavyweight kingpin is set to defend his throne against the always-dangerous Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on Saturday.