By Lourence Alturino
Image from ESPN.com
A storyline for the ages adds its newest chapter as Israel Adesanya defends the 185-pound title in Madison Square Garden against a ghost from his past, Alex Pereira. This will be the third ever time these two fighters square off, but the very first in the MMA octagon. The two previous bouts were contested in kickboxing, where Pereira would come out on top both times, with an emphatic knockout in their second fight. For Adesanya, this is redemption. For Pereira, this is a potential crowning moment. What happens in the final fight of their trilogy, And Still or And New?
Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya (23-1)
Israel Adesanya is one of the best fighters in the world and could very well go down as one of the greatest to ever do it. Adesanya has wiped through the UFC middleweight division, defeating every contender that steps across him. Whittaker, Costa, Vettori. Name them all, Adesanya has already won over them. Except against the man he's fighting next. Israel's fiercest rival has followed him to the UFC and its his toughest test yet. The Last Stylebender is a nickname given to Izzy because of his unique, yet masterful style of fighting. Adesanya is an elite striker with incredible movement and contains one of the smartest minds to ever grace the UFC cage. This is Izzy's shot at revenge, but will he finally be able to get a win over Alex Pereira?
Keys for Adesanya
- Stay at range
- Bring the fight to Pereira
- Beware of the left hook
Alex "Poatan" Pereira (6-1)
Poatan has arrived to the big stage. After just 3 fights in the UFC, Alex Pereira has skyrocketed into a major championship fight against his former foe. You may look at the fact that he's only had 3 fights in the promotion and think how is this guy getting a title shot? Well, it's because Pereira is one of the greatest kickboxers alive with a record of 33-7 and is an 8x Glory Kickboxing Champion. Just like his opponent, Pereira is also an elite striker, but the big difference is that Pereira has the ultimate equalizer. The left hook. The very punch that knocked out Adesanya has become a notorious maneuver for Poatan. If you get touched by that left hand, it is lights out. Will Pereira get another opportunity at "glory"?
Keys for Pereira
- Cut off the cage
- Keep the fight in close range
- Don't let Adesanya control the fight
Breakdown
I'm expecting a full kickboxing match for this fight. The only grappling I'm anticipating would be clinch work for both men, as they both excel in that area. Both fighters are sensational on the feet and its a 50/50 contest.
For Adesanya, I believe being aggressive will work in his favor. This isn't normally his style as he is a counter striker, but Israel was aggressive in their first kickboxing fight and had tons of success doing so. Adesanya pushing out volume while evading the big power shots of Pereira is how I see Izzy winning this fight.
For Pereira, he can't get controlled. It's easier said than done as Adesanya controls the fight with ease against the best fighters in the world. But nobody in the 185 division has the power that Poatan possesses. If Adesanya is hesitant, Pereira will take advantage and land big shots.
Final Prediction
This is expected to be a battle of striking excellence. And it all depends on who's able to dictate the pace and find their ranges. I think an interesting to point out will be the fact that Pereira has yet to have a 5 round MMA fight, while Adesanya is more than familiar with these circumstances. Adesanya's experience will be a big factor in this fight. Israel Adesanya will finally defeat his greatest rival and remain on top of the 185 division via a close decision.
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