Israel Adesanya Seeks Redemption in UFC 287 Rematch Against Alex Pereira
In a highly anticipated rematch, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will take on his nemesis Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 287 in Miami. Adesanya is looking for redemption as he aims to finally defeat Pereira after losing all three of their previous encounters.
The Background
Adesanya is currently 0-3 against Pereira, having been knocked out in their last two fights. The most recent loss came on Nov. 12 in New York when Pereira rallied to knock Adesanya out in the fifth round at UFC 281 to win the middleweight title. Pereira has also defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing, with the second fight ending in a third-round KO.
Despite the consecutive losses, Adesanya insisted on a rematch and got it. While some critics argue that he should have taken some time off to rebuild his confidence and develop new strategies, Adesanya pushed for a quick rematch, determined to prove himself against his rival.
Adesanya’s Determination
Adesanya’s eagerness to fight Pereira again is a testament to his fighting spirit. He wanted the rematch as soon as possible, and his determination to beat Pereira cannot be understated. Some fighters would have taken a step back and regrouped after losing two fights in a row, but not Adesanya. He is determined to prove himself and emerge victorious.
The Gangster Mindset
UFC president Dana White often refers to fighters as “gangsters” for taking difficult fights. Adesanya’s decision to take on Pereira again after being down 0-3 and knocked out in back-to-back fights is a perfect example of the gangster mindset. If that isn’t gangster, then nothing ever could be.
The Odds
The betting odds for the fight heavily favor Pereira. Adesanya is the underdog going into the fight, but that hasn’t dampened his spirits. He knows the challenge ahead of him and is ready to face it head-on.
Other Fights on the Card
In the co-main event, Jorge Masvidal will fight Gilbert Burns needing a win to keep his dream of a bout with welterweight champion Leon Edwards alive and avoid the first four-fight losing streak of his career. Burns is currently the favorite to win.
The undercard features some exciting fights, including an 18-year-old prospect Raul Rosas Jr. in a bantamweight clash against Christian Rodriguez. Kevin Holland and Santiago Ponzinibbio will go head-to-head in a welterweight bout, while Rob Font meets Adrian Yanez at 135 pounds immediately prior to the main event.