Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has released a teaser trailer ahead of his UFC 287 rematch with Alex Pereira for the 185lbs title.
Last night, Dana White addressed fans on the UFC’s Instagram account and dropped major bombshells about upcoming cards. The UFC president specifically addressed UFC 287, where he confirmed that Adesanya and Pereira will have a rematch for the title. Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal are also set to face off on the card.
‘The Last Stylebender’ lost the belt to long-time rival ‘Poatan’ at UFC 281 last year. The Nigerian-New Zealander was heading for a victory on the judges’ scorecards before the relentless pressure from the Brazilian paid off deep into the fifth round. Pereira TKO’d Adesanya to capture the title and now holds one win over his rival in MMA and two in kickboxing.
Following White’s announcement, Israel Adesanya shared the following video on Twitter:
“In this game, we don’t keep score…we settle them. #insertcointocontinue #ufc287 #wegoagain”
The spine-chilling video features clips and voice lines from the ‘Saw’ horror franchise. Interestingly, Adesanya used a popular theme from the movie franchise as his walkout song at UFC 281. The trailer also features a voice line where Adesanya addresses his doubters:
“Y’all must have forgot. But trust me, you’ll soon find out.”
Watch the video here:
Robert Whittaker wanted to face Alex Pereira before Israel Adesanya
Whilst fans are certainly excited about the prospect of Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira throwing down once again, UFC middleweight Robert Whittaker is likely feeling a little hard done by the rematch announcement.
‘The Reaper’ appeared on Fox Sports Australia last month, where he discussed his plans for the future after his bout with Paulo Costa fell through. Whittaker wanted a fight with Alex Pereira before the Brazilian’s rematch with Adesanya:
“I can very well see Izzy [vs.] Pereira not happening. Izzy just letting me and Pereira punch on for a little bit. And then him sliding in to fight the winner, that makes perfect sense, you know? [Laughs] If you write it down. But it is a crazy world out there, it is a crazy time for the division. What the UFC has planned for March [and] April is anybody’s guess at this point.”
Following Dana White’s announcement that Israel Adesanya will indeed rematch Pereira, it highlights the question of what to do next with Whittaker. The Australian is undefeated at middleweight aside from his two losses to ‘The Last Stylebender’, and one of the few top 185-pound fighters he is yet to face is current champion Alex Pereira.
Catch the interview here:
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