Adesanya headlines UFC most anticipated bout
The UFC middleweight champion is set to take on long-time rival Alex Pereira
Nigeria born Israel Adesanya is the star fighter one of the most awaited cards of the year.
The UFC middleweight champion is set to take on long-time rival Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 281, which takes place November. 12 at the fabled Madison Square Garden arena in New York.
Adesanya and Pereira have history together dating back to their days as professional kickboxers, with Pereira going 2-0 over Adesanya in their series, capped off by a highlight-reel knockout in the 2017 rematch.
Adesanya and Pereira have both been perfect at 185 pounds thus far in the UFC runs, with Pereira going 3-0 in the promotion and “The Last Style bender” winning his first 12 appearances at 185 pounds, including five defenses of his UFC title.
UFC 281 also features a straw weight title bout between reigning champion Carla Esparza and former titleholder Weili Zhang, as well as a marquee match between former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and ex-Bellator champion Michael Chandler.
