Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya at UFC 282 (The Sun)
Israel Adesanya claims UFC 287 storyline with Alex Pereira is one of the greatest in combat sports
Israel Adesanya has called his rivalry with UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira the “greatest storyline in MMA history.” This will be the fourth time these two have faced off, with Pereira winning the previous three bouts.
Adesanya has lost to ‘Poatan‘ thrice already; twice in kickboxing and once in MMA at UFC 281 which marked the end of his championship reign. However, he has the opportunity to exact revenge and get even with Pereira at UFC 287.
Previewing the clash in the pre-fight media interview, Adesanya stated:
“This is probably one of, if not the greatest storyline in MMA history. Not many people get the opportunity to show how great they are and to rise to the occasion when all odds are stacked against them. I feel like the underdog. Because of what happened in the last fight people have goldfish memories. They’ve forgotten what I’ve done in this game and it’s time to remind people how great I am.”
Adesanya added:
“I’m down two fights in kickboxing and one in MMA. This is my one shot, my Eminem moment. You get one shot. Don’t miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime and this is it. Imagine if I get it done better than he’s ever done it? I don’t keep score I settle them and he who laughs last laughs best.”
In the main event of UFC 234, undefeated middleweight contender Israel Adesanya defeated one of his fighting idols, future Hall of Famer Anderson Silva. While losing a majority decision, Silva demonstrated that at age 43, he still has some gas left in the tank. However, little known fact, future UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira cornered Anderson Silva for the fight.
The current middleweight champion was one of Silva’s cornermen at UFC 234, which has caught many by surprise.
At UFC 281, Alex Pereira defeated his longtime kickboxing opponent Israel Adesanya and was declared the division’s new champion. The Brazilian has defeated Adesanya twice in the past, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two combatants. With a 3-0 record against the New Zealander of Nigerian descent, Pereira is the only fighter to have ever knocked out “The Last Stylebender.” Given this, it is not surprising that Silva enlisted Pereira’s assistance for his own bout with Adesanya.
The pair will meet again for a rematch at UFC 287 at the Miami Dade Arena next weekend.
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