Israel Adesanya asks “USADA, monitor us” till fighters reach fighting arena

Israel Adesanya says “USADA, monitor us” to make the fight cleaner as the fighters are going for the main event on Saturday.

Israel Adesanya asks “USADA, monitor us” till fighters reach fighting arena

Israel Adesanya asks USADA-( Image via. MMA INDIA)

This coming weekend at UFC 287, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira will face off in a highly-anticipated rematch for the middleweight title. Adesanya, also known as ‘The Last Stylebender’, will be seeking to reclaim his championship belt.

Israel Adesanya lost to Pereira in a shocking upset during the last round of their bout at UFC 281 in November of last year. Israel Adesanya is determined to put an end to his rivalry with ‘Poatan’ in their upcoming rematch, as he believes this may be his final opportunity to avenge his losses against him.

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However, the former UFC champion has expressed concerns about Alex Pereira possibly breaking some rules in the lead-up to the fight. Israel Adesanya asked the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) closely monitor all fighters, starting from the weigh-in until they step into the octagon.

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In his Tweet Adesanya says “USADA, monitor us from the moment we get off the scale till we hit the arena on Saturday. Have people take shifts if they have to…no loopholes to jump here.”

Israel Adesanya could be suggesting that Alex Pereira might be using a Schedule IV injection. Potential IV is a prohibited substance if the amount given exceeds 100 milliliters in a 12-hour window. After they make weight, they are allowed to gain weight before entering the octagon.

Related:  “Bet on the right person” – Alex Pereira taunts rapper Drake to bet on him ahead of Israel Adesanya rematch

Why is Israel Adesanya asking USADA to keep an eye on everyone?

Alex Pereira and USADA - (Image via. USADA and Telecom Asia)

While not mentioning Alex Pereira directly, Adesanya has expressed concerns about keeping a close eye on his opponent’s weight leading up to the fight. Earlier, a video of Alex Pereira went viral, showing him weighing 25 pounds heavier in 24 hours for UFC 281. Many people were shocked at this instant weight gain in such a short time frame.

The weight-cutting process in the UFC and the dangers fighters face when trying to make weight for their fights. Many fighters put their lives at risk during this process. Sometimes fighters have to agree to a fight with only a few days’ notice. Then dehydration of their bodies becomes a common part.

Pereira likely gained 25+ pounds by eating and drinking as soon as he stepped off the scale. Adesanya was also weighing around 200lbs at the time of the fight. This is similar to accusations made by Israel Adesanya’s teammate Dan Hooker. Dan made the same type of allegation after Makhachev’s victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.

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