UFC 287 main event is possibly one of the toughest match-ups to predict despite Alex Pereira emerging victorious the last three times he has come face-to-face against Israel Adesanya. This time around as well, the story is the same! Yes, the title belt is on the line, and Adesanya is the challenger for a change, but Pereira vs Izzy is much more than that.
Two of the best kickboxers to ever step inside the ring will once again make a walk to the UFC cage in a rematch this weekend in Miami, Florida for the UFC’s Middleweight Championship. So who do you have winning in the rematch? Let’s break down the fighting styles of both the fighters and try to predict the winner of Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya.
Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya stats
Stats | Alex Pereira | Israel Adesanya |
---|---|---|
Wins | 7 | 23 |
Losses | 1 | 2 |
Height | 1.93 m | 1.93 m |
Division | Middleweight | Middleweight |
Reach | 201 cm | 203 cm |
Age | 35 | 33 |
UFC 287: Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya prediction
We all know what to expect from Alex Pereira. The UFC Middleweight Champion likes to walk down on his opponents, often taking a defensive approach but behind a vicious left hook that has sent many tumbling down on the canvas. Pereira’s key strength has to be his power, but he is not a walking powerhouse. Pereira is slick with his movement, cautious in his approach, and doesn’t take unnecessary risks.
View this post on Instagram
From flying knees to high kicks, Pereira’s skillset on the feet is next to none. Evidently more than Israel Adesanya, considering he has beaten the former champion convincingly on multiple occasions. This weekend will be no different, and we feel that Poatan gets the job done once again.
The biggest complaint fans have had about Adesanya is his inability to engage in a slugfest. While there’s no denying his heart and rigor in the fight against Kelvin Gastelum, Adesanya’s overly cautious approach has met him with severe criticism from fight fans. It’s safe to say that there’s nothing new that Adesanya can bring to Alex Pereira that the Brazilian native hasn’t seen before. Moreover, to expect Adesanya to put on a wrestling clinic seems too good to be true.
You uncultured swines…IYKYK 🇹🇴 🇼🇸 pic.twitter.com/lACAerHb8X
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) April 7, 2023
It’s going to be a striking battle once again, and while Adesanya may have promised carnage and bloodshed; we have seen him walk out to the cage with The Undertaker’s theme song only to have fans walk out of the arena even before the fight has ended.
If Adesanya decides to engage and take the fight to Pereira and bite down on his mouthguard, the story could be a little different. However, for someone who has fought a certain way for all these years, it is unlikely that happens. Pereira’s ability to take the best shots that Izzy has to offer, his experience to make quick adjustments, and his vicious power that has seen even the bravest of them fall, will likely prove to be too much for Izzy yet again!