Israel Adesanya isn't concerned about size difference ahead of Alex Pereira rematch
Israel Adesanya was defeated by Alex Pereira at UFC 281 via TKO in the fifth round, handing 'The Last Stylebender' his first-ever defeat at middleweight.
The startling size difference between the two fighters was a huge talking point following their clash. During much of Adesanya's UFC career, he's had a favorable height and reach advantage over his opponents. However, against Pereira, it was the opposite, as 'Poatan' was noticeably bigger than Adesanya.
During a recent interview with Combat TV, 'The Last Stylebender' explained why he isn't concerned with trying to decrease the size difference ahead of their rematch at UFC 287.
"I'm not used to walking around with that kind of mass, so I wouldn't want to do that in such a short amount of time... I don't like having too much time off. I like to stay active... I don't need to [add any muscle]. I can get [Alex Pereira]. I almost have the guy every f***ing time. So I know exactly what to do."
Watch the interview below from 1:20:
According to reports, Alex Pereira weighed between 210 and 220 pounds on fight night, meaning he gained over 25 lbs in 24 hours from weigh-ins to fight night. Israel Adesanya usually weighs in at around 200 lbs, and the difference in musculature between the two fighters was apparent.
The pair faced off twice in professional kickboxing between 2016-2017, with 'Poatan' winning both fights. However, Adesanya hurt Pereira badly in the first bout, which was ultimately won by the Brazilian via a controversial decision. Pereira knocked Adesanya out in their second kickboxing fight, but prior to his final round KO, 'Poatan' was dominated by 'The Last Stylebender' throughout the fight.
Israel Adesanya had Alex Pereira on wobbly legs at the end of the first round at UFC 281, similar to their first kickboxing fight. Many, including 'The Last Stylebender,' believe that if there was more time left in the round, Pereira would have been knocked out.
Watch the video below:
Israel Adesanya nearly finishes Alex Pereira at the VERY last moment of Round 1 at #UFC281 https://t.co/qb0L2bvChh
Israel Adesanya's coach wanted him to take more time off before Alex Pereira rematch
Eugene Bareman, the longtime coach of Israel Adesanya, recently stated that he wanted his student to take more time off before arranging the Alex Pereira rematch.
Bareman most likely wanted Adesanya's brain to recover further from the trauma suffered against Pereira. The rematch is set to take place at UFC 287 in April, which is five months after Adesanya's TKO loss to 'Poatan.'
Bareman recently appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and said the following:
"I would probably have waited longer just to give Israel a little bit more time between a stoppage like that and the next fight."
Watch the interview below: