By: Alex Etergino and Jackson Mountford
@gino_courant & @jmount_courant
The highly anticipated UFC 287 brought together two middleweight fighters, Alex “Poatan” Pereira and Israel “Style Bender” Adesanya, in a long-awaited rematch. After a history of intense battles between the two, this fight captivated fans around the world.
Before their clash in the UFC, Pereira and Adesanya had faced each other twice in kickboxing, with Pereira winning both encounters, one by knockout and the other amidst a controversial decision. While Adesanya embarked on a remarkable rise in the UFC, Pereira continued his reign as the best in kickboxing.
UFC 281 marked their first encounter in the UFC. Adesanya, the reigning champion with a record of 23 wins and 1 loss, faced Pereira, who had amassed 6 wins and 1 loss before earning the title shot. The grudge match took place in Madison Square Garden, and as the final round approached, the fight remained tightly contested. However, Pereira’s explosive strikes sealed the victory, knocking out the champion.
UFC 287 arrived with Pereira, now the champion, boasting a flawless 3-0 record against Adesanya. Surprisingly, the odds favored Adesanya, underestimating Pereira’s power and technique.
The first round saw Adesanya struggling to find his rhythm, unable to land significant strikes. Meanwhile, Pereira targeted Adesanya’s shins with punishing kicks. After five minutes, Pereira secured a round one victory.
In the second round, with a 3-0 deficit in their overall record and trailing 1-0 in this fight, Adesanya was determined to alter the course of the match. Pereira initially dominated, bombarding Adesanya with a flurry of kicks, knees, and elbows, seemingly on the brink of victory. However, Adesanya showcased his champion’s mettle. An overhand right to the temple staggered Pereira, followed by a devastating left hook and another shot that rendered Pereira unconscious. Adesanya had finally conquered his nemesis, securing his first victory over Pereira.
Adesanya’s triumph extended beyond the fight itself. In a post-fight spectacle, he mocked Pereira’s children, celebrated amidst the crowd, and delivered an iconic speech. Adesanya expressed his elation, inviting everyone to experience such profound happiness at least once in their lives. With this victory, Adesanya reclaimed his position as the UFC middleweight champion.
UFC 287 showcased the culmination of a long-standing rivalry as Adesanya achieved a monumental triumph over Pereira. Their personal connections and previous encounters added depth to this extraordinary showdown, reminding us of the power of determination, resilience, and the sweet taste of victory.
