Alex Pereira added a UFC legend to his training camp for UFC 287.
On April 8, ‘Poatan’ looks to end his rivalry with Israel Adesanya once and for all. Pereira defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing before transitioning to MMA and taking his UFC middleweight championship in November 2022.
As Pereira puts the finishing touches on his UFC 287 training camp, he’s sought the guidance of former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. ‘Poatan’ posted highlights on Twitter of ‘The Iceman’ helping out with the caption saying:
“Last adjustments with @ChuckLiddell for my fight at #UFC287”
Before transitioning to MMA, Pereira was a highly-credentialed Glory kickboxer who held the light heavyweight and middleweight titles. He fought three times in MMA between 2015 and 2016, losing his debut and winning the next two before returning to kickboxing.
In November 2020, Pereira secured a highlight-reel knockout under the LFA banner. After fighting two more times in Glory, he signed with the UFC in 2011. ‘Poatan’ quickly made a name for himself with a flying knee knockout against Andreas Michailidis in his promotional debut. The Brazilian striker went on to defeat Bruno Silva and Sean Strickland to earn a title shot against Adesanya.
At UFC 281, Pereira was behind on all three scorecards heading into the fifth round. ‘Poatan’ used his dangerous power and quickly turned things around, securing a TKO to dethrone Adesanya.
Last adjustments with @ChuckLiddell for my fight at #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/ibhlTTYwun
— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) March 27, 2023
What’s at stake in the rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya?
There is a lot at stake when Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira meet in the Octagon for a second time. Not only are they fighting for the UFC middleweight championship, but their legacy is also on the line.
Adesanya took out everyone in the 185-pound division before Pereira signed with the UFC. ‘The Last Stylebender’ now has an opportunity to avenge his loss and regain the title at UFC 287. There is added pressure for both fighters as this could be the last time they compete.
It’s no secret that Pereira cuts a lot of weight to make the middleweight limit. Regardless of the outcome against Adesanya, ‘Poatan’ will likely move up to light heavyweight in the near future. The question is, will he leave the division by getting dethroned or vacating the title?
