The UFC has one epic new rivalry on its hands.
In perhaps Israel Adesanya’s biggest test to date as middleweight champion, he goes up against a man who has defeated him not once, but twice.
That individual's name is Alex Pereira.
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And if you weren’t hyped for this fight before, then you most definitely will be after watching the official trailer for their grudge match at UFC 281.
Watch it below:
Goosebumps.
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No one knows how to hype up a fight quite like ‘The Last Style Bender’.
The New Zealand-Nigerian MMA fighter has cemented his position as king of the 185-pound division since unifying the belts against Robert Whittaker almost three years ago.
The middleweight champ has produced some amazing performances, paired with some charming charisma, making him one of the promotion's most marketable attractions.
After defeating Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision at UFC 276, it felt like the next challenger had to be the newly-signed Alex Pererira.
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Although the Brazilian is only 3-0 since joining the UFC, he’s been able to showcase his immaculate striking skills, and with his history with Adesanya, it made perfect sense for the next major middleweight title bout.
With the man known as ‘Poatan’ knocking out Adesanya back in their kickboxing days, there’s a sense that anything can happen when those cage doors slam shut at Madison Square Garden.
Within the trailer, Adesanya noted that the storyline behind the fight made for quite the spectacle, although he aims to change the narrative.
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He said: “When I fought him, I thought I won the first fight. In the second fight, he was honestly on skates, the referee saved his ass because I was about to drop him. The third round he knocks me out in his own country – that’s a beautiful story for him, but I’m still here.”
“This is perfect for the storyline, leading up to everything.
“A guy like that, like I’ve said, he’s a beast. If you can make that look easy, it just makes you look legendary.
“I know how to beat him and I can do it, I know I can do it, and I will. I’m gonna shut this guy up, I’m gonna shock the world.”
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The fight goes down at UFC 281 on November 12 as Adesanya looks to make his sixth defence of the UFC Middleweight Champion inside the world’s most famous arena - Madison Square Garden.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/UFC/ZuffaTopics: Israel Adesanya, MMA, UFC, Australia, New Zealand
