Alex Pereira’s title defense in the main event of UFC 287 didn’t go his way as Israel Adesanya viciously knocked him out in the second round to reclaim his middleweight title. Speaking about the rematch, Alex Pereira started the fight well as he landed some good calf kicks and things were going as per his game plan.
However, in the second round, Izzy went all guns blazing and became the aggressor. Pereira kept working on the calf kicks and it paid dividends as Adesanya went to the backfoot. Trying to take advantage of the situation, Poatan went forward in an attempt to finish the fight.
ADESANYA JUST SLEPT PEREIRA
— đ´á´Ęá´á´Ęá´á´ę°á´Ąá´Ęđ´ (@TheArtOfWar6) April 9, 2023
But Israel counter-attacked with a powerful right hook and connected a deadly combination of punches and put Pereira to sleep. After the knockout loss, there were concerns regarding Poatan’s health. A few hours after the fight, the Brazilian middleweight addressed his fans on social media and confirmed that he is doing good.
Im just here to let u know that Iâm fine ! I want to thank my family, my team and all the people who are supporting me during my journey.
Now I just have to rest and continue with the plans that are already on motion. Thanks god đ pic.twitter.com/xU4nELWPBj
— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) April 9, 2023
In Pereira’s post, Poatan and Israel Adesanya are having a conversation where the two share mutual respect and Izzy expresses his wish to come to Brazil to train and learn new things. It is good to hear Alex Pereira not suffering any major health issues after the brutal knockout loss.
In the end, it is needless to say that this rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira will go down as one of the biggest rivalries in the history of UFC. Moreover, this might not be the end of the two colliding against each other as a few wins for Pereira will bring him right into the title mix and sets up things perfectly for a trilogy bout.
What’s next for Alex Pereira after his brutal knockout loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287?
Alex Pereira suffered his first UFC loss after making his debut back in November 2021. Following this knockout loss, how do things play out for Alex Pereira in the future? From the interviews of UFC President Dana White and middleweight champion Israel Adesnya, a light heavyweight move for Poatan looks imminent.
Because there aren’t a lot of top contenders in the light heavyweight division, Pereira could fast-track his way to another title shot. With Jiri Prochazka suffering a big injury and no updates regarding his comeback, the only top contender is Aleksandar Rakic.
In case Pereira does not intend to move up to light heavyweight, we might see him face either Khamzat Chimaev or Marvin Vettori. These fights make the most sense at 185 as there is a brewing rivalry between Chimaev and Pereira. Moreover, Vettori has always been in the title mix and could challenge Poatan with his ground game.
Do let us know in the comments section who you think should Alex Pereira go against in his next UFC fight.
