Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira has addressed his fans for the first time since his UFC 287 loss.
Pereira suffered his first-career knockout loss in MMA to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. After a successful first round and a half for Pereira, Adesanya found his range on the feet and landed a powerful right straight that sent Pereira to sleep.
It was a stunning defeat for Pereira, who had earned the middleweight belt just eight fights into his MMA career. It was also the first time that Pereira has lost to Adesanya in combat sports.
Despite the loss, Pereira is remaining in good spirits and is looking ahead to what’s next for him in the Octagon.
Alex Pereira Issues Positive Message After UFC 287 Defeat
In a recent Instagram post, Pereira provided an update on his health following UFC 287.
“Just passing by to say everything is ok!” Pereira posted. “I want to thank my family, my team and all of you who follow me and like my work. Now I just need to rest to go back and continue with the plans that are already drawn, thank you God.” (as translated from Portuguese to English)
Alex Pereira burst onto the UFC scene with four straight wins, including knockouts of Adesanya and Sean Strickland. His UFC debut wrapped up just 18 seconds into the second round against Andreas Michailidis at UFC 268.
Alex Pereira has teased a future move to light heavyweight after a series of harsh weight cuts to middleweight. A future showdown with Jamahal Hill would entice the interest of fans after Hill defeated his mentor, Glover Teixeira.
Pereira will look to move toward a triumphant return later this year, and he seems optimistic he can make a statement after suffering from the jaws of defeat.
