Israel Adesanya, the current UFC middleweight champion, is set to face his longtime rival and fellow kickboxer Alex Pereira in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 287. However, Adesanya has recently made it clear that this will be the last time he steps into the octagon with Pereira. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at their rivalry, their previous fights, and what led Adesanya to make this vow.
On Saturday, UFC 287 presents an opportunity for Israel Adesanya to regain the UFC middleweight title he lost to Alex Pereira last November. Adesanya and Pereira have faced each other on three previous occasions, dating back to their kickboxing days, with Pereira winning all three. The typically cool Adesanya has described the rematch as “everything” to him, with a win giving him his first victory over Pereira. The ceremonial weigh-ins were heated, with Pereira taking aim at Adesanya’s dog collar he has been sporting in public since media day. Staredowns for the co-main event were arguably more intense, with hometown favorite Jorge Masvidal set to fight Gilbert Burns in a welterweight contenders’ bout. Masvidal has promised to knock Burns out and celebrate with his hometown in the streets. Burns, who was loudly booed by the Miami crowd, responded with a smile and a warning, saying that he would kill Masvidal’s chances of a win. UFC 287 promises to be an action-packed event for both fighters and fans alike.
In conclusion, Israel Adesanya remains confident that he will come out victorious in his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira. However, he intends for this to be the last time he faces off against his longtime rival. With both fighters giving it their all, fans can expect an intense and thrilling fight at UFC 287. As the countdown to fight night begins, all eyes will be on Adesanya and Pereira as they step into the octagon to settle their score once and for all.
