“Who’s gonna fall off first?” – Israel Adesanya promises a BARNSTORMER of endurance with arch-rival Alex Pereira
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Israel Adesanya (L), Alex Pereira (R)
In one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year, Israel Adesanya takes on long time nemesis Alex Pereira at UFC 281, in the world’s most iconic arena – Madison Square Garden
Outside of Jan Blachowicz, Adesanya has lost to no one in his 24 fight long MMA career. However, that is not to say that he has not lost at all in his professional fighting career. Before coming to the UFC, the Nigerian-Kiwi was an accomplished kickboxer, utilizing his extraordinary reach and crisp movement to baffle his opponents into losing. That is, till he came up short against Alex Pereira (twice).
Now, the two lock horns again – however, this time, under an MMA banner, and inside the cage. Truth be told, the last couple of fights Israel Adesanya has participated in haven’t really bothered him competition-wise (that is, to some degree, excluding the Robert Whittaker rematch), so Pereira is bound to be a step up. With personal stakes involved as well, the fight is sure to be a must-watch.
Speaking about what he expects from the match-up, he said, “I know we are going to go deep, I’m going to crack him, he’s going to crack me, it’s going to be one of those fights. It’s like, whose fire is going to burn longer. I know I am going to burn longer; he won’t last… I know he (Pereira) can’t last… Who’s going to fall off first? I bet you, 10 out of 10 times, he’s going to fall off first.”
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What a win could mean for both Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya’s words seem to be right out of an action movie. It feels like Adesanya is going to be properly matched, skill to skill, after a lengthy period. And, Pereira is a formidable opponent – not only did he KO Adesanya in the second rendition of their fight under the GLORY banner, but he has also looked mighty impressive in the UFC, having knocked out Sean Strickland within the first round at UFC 276.
A title win could mean big things lining up for both of the adversaries. For Israel Adesanya, a win over Alex Pereira could finally dispel any doubts about his title credentials, making him the best middleweight on Earth, by a huge distance. He would, after beating “Poatan”, have disposed of his long-time foe, and possibly cleared some mental acreage. Additionally, if Adesanya does win in style, he can also put to rest the allegations of fighting ‘’boring” fights, of late. He won his last fight against Jared Cannonier on points, albeit, comfortably.
So, if he does defend the belt against Pereira, a second try at becoming double champ could be on the cards. Last time around, he lost to Jan Blachowicz; but, with a new champion at the helm, Adesanya could have a better outcome.
Alex Pereira winning, on the other hand, will be nothing but sensational. To put it into words, Pereira’s short time taken to get a title shot has been exemplary. He is three fights into his UFC career, of which he has won two by knockout. Additionally, he has only participated in seven fights in his whole MMA career. Talk about a steep jump up the ladder!
Becoming the UFC middleweight king with only eight MMA fights under his belt would be an extraordinary feat, destined for the record books. If he does win, he would possibly have to rematch Adesanya, owing to his dominance over the division. A future move up to 205 pounds could also be on the cards for the Brazilian if things pan out in his favour.
Not looking too far ahead, UFC 281 is right around the corner. With an exciting card, and a barnstormer of a main event, fans can expect the annual New York PPV to be a landmark event yet again.
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