Chael Sonnen discusses how letting Alex Pereira win earlier rounds can be beneficial for Israel Adesanya in rematch

Chael Sonnen believes there is a path to victory for Israel Adesanya in a potential rematch with new UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira.

Sonnen uploaded a video to his YouTube channel, where he discussed the champion's ability to win fights when he feels a sense of urgency. The former middleweight title challenger mentioned that 'Poatan' could subcontiously be a fighter that excels when he feels pressured to do so:

"Possibly, he is one of the competitors who builds an urgency and who's motivation goes up as he has less time to get said job done. What if that's true?... In terms of, 'I'm going to do enough. I'm going to keep you working. I'm going to defend myself. I'm going to hit you where I can, but I don't have an urgency."

'The American Gangster' added that Israel Adesanya letting Pereira become comfortable in the early rounds could be beneficial as the fight progresses:

"What if in that fight (rematch), Adesanya makes sure Pereira wins the first round?...Would Adesanya succeed if he made sure Pereira had points? Pereira at the end of the fight doesn't have to stop him, doesn't have to knock him out. Would that reduce Pereira's urge to do that? "

'Izzy' was ahead on the scorecards heading into the final round at UFC 281. After a motivational speech from his coaches, Pereira came out with confidence and aggression. He finished 'The Last Stylebender' for the second time in his combat sports career.

Check out the full video:

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Will Israel Adesanya be the underdog in a potential rematch with Pereira?

UFC

@ufc

PEREIRA DOES THE UNTHINKABLE!!

HE KOs ADESANYA AGAIN!! #UFC281

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PEREIRA DOES THE UNTHINKABLE!! 😱

HE KOs ADESANYA AGAIN!! #UFC281 https://t.co/YiNrtkrVFY

Despite losing the UFC middleweight championship, Israel Adesanya had an advantage heading into the final round. He was stunned by 'Poatan' and then the referee stopped the fight.

Both fighters are excellent strikers, so it was surprising that the fight went to the ground and both secured takedowns.

Pereira has now improved to 4-0 against 'Izzy' in all competitions and could be the favorite to win a rematch. However, the former champion might have found areas that he could exploit, especially in terms of grappling and takedown defense.

If 'Izzy' continues working on his wrestling and grappling, he could find an opening to submitt 'Poatan' and regain the middleweight championship.

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