Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 Prediction: Can Adesanya Take the Belt Back at UFC 287?

Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 Prediction 2 Prediction: Can Adesanya Take the Belt Back at UFC 287?

This weekend, the UFC presents a highly-anticipated rematch between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira. This match will technically be the fourth time both fighters meet, although only one has been in MMA. Pereira has a 2-0 advantage over Adesanya in kickboxing and is now 1-0 over "The Last Stylebender" in MMA, where he managed to defeat Adesanya for the middleweight title last time out. The UFC booked an immediate rematch after the impressive comeback win for Pereira, and it is Adesanya who is still a slight favorite at -140. Can Adesanya end his unfortunate run against Pereira in the rematch?

Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 Prediction 2 Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• When: Saturday, April 8, 2023
• Time: 10:00 PM EDT
• Where: Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
• Where to Watch: PPV

Click here for Adesanya vs. Pereira 2 odds

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Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 Prediction

This fight feels a lot like the Usman/Edwards trilogy. Kamaru Usman was up on the scorecards 3-1 heading into the fifth before Leon Edwards landed a late knockout to shock the world. Alex Pereira did the exact same against Adesanya as an underdog. Adesanya was a -220 favorite in the first MMA meeting, and he was up comfortably 3-1 heading into the fifth before Pereira landed the finishing blow. Now, Adesanya will have to try not to repeat Usman's fate and win the rematch.

Despite the losses to Pereira in his fighting career, I expect Adesanya to win the upcoming bout. He was undefeated at middleweight before the last fight, going 23-0 with 6 title defenses against the best middleweight MMA fighters in the world. Pereira is still a raw mixed martial artist and is less skilled in grappling and wrestling than Adesanya. In their first fight, Adesanya managed to have some success in grappling Pereira when he tried, but he lost after failing to avoid Pereira's punches in the fifth. If Adesanya looks to get his hands on Pereira a bit more in this fight, he should find much more success than just fighting at the range for 25 minutes.

While I do see Adesanya winning, Pereira is not someone to underestimate. He has a powerful punch that has won him several fights at kickboxing and now the UFC. Although he may still be a raw mixed martial artist, he has improved in every bout, and his skills seem to be rounding out. His wins over Adesanya boost his confidence, and he will undoubtedly be looking to defend his middleweight title with much confidence.

However, this is still a tough spot for Pereira. He is fighting Adesanya in MMA, where Adesanya has been fighting for much longer against high-caliber opponents. Pereira had a short route to the belt because of his history with Adesanya, only needing three UFC wins to get a title shot. He had just seven MMA wins on his record before his title shot against Adesanya. Adesanya should look to get his hands on Pereira and make him uncomfortable where he is less experienced.

Both fighters have a lot to prove, with Adesanya looking to avenge his previous losses while Pereira aims to defend his middleweight title. The pressure is on Adesanya a bit more because if he loses, he will not get another fight against Pereira, and he will have to wait a while to get back to the belt.

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While I expect Pereira to have some success on the feet with his powerful strikes, I can't pass on this line for Adesanya. He is the much more well-rounded fighter heading into this fight, and I think he will look to grapple more this time around. Also, he was winning that fight before the late knockout, and he just has to get ahead again this time and NOT get knocked out this time, which I think he can considering how durable he has been his whole career.

Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 Pick

Pick: Adesanya ML (-140) Bet $100 to collect 171 PointsBet has the best odds; click here to bet