Israel Adesanya is doing hard grappling work ahead of Alex Pereira rematch at UFC 287
As the widely anticipated UFC 287 approaches, all eyes are on the upcoming rematch between two formidable fighters - former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and his opponent, Alex Pereira.
In preparation for the fight, 'The Last Stylebender' has been diligently focusing on his grappling skills, with rigorous training to ensure he is ready for anything Pereira throws his way. With both fighters hungry for victory, this rematch promises to be a clash of epic proportions, with Adesanya determined to reclaim his championship title and Pereira eager to prove he is the rightful holder of the belt.
Check out the Nigerian-born New-Zealander's intense training:
Izzy is putting in work on the mats ahead of #UFC287 🤼♂️
(via @stylebender) https://t.co/nr8stQCqNp
Israel Adesanya is no stranger to success, having tasted victory time and time again throughout his illustrious career in both MMA and kickboxing. However, there is one adversary who has proven to be a thorn in his side - Alex Pereira.
In fact, 'Poatan' is one of the few fighters to have defeated Adesanya not once or twice, but three times throughout their long-standing rivalry. Their most recent encounter at UFC 281 saw Adesanya relinquish his championship belt to Pereira, but the stage is set for an epic rematch at UFC 287. With Adesanya hungry for redemption and determined to regain his title.
Israel Adesanya responds to Alex Pereira making fun of his plush toys assortment
Alex Pereira has engaged in some mental warfare with Israel Adesanya ahead of their upcoming clash at UFC 287. In a recent video, Pereira mocked Adesanya's stuffed toy collection, which has elicited a response from the former UFC middleweight champion. This exchange suggests that both fighters are trying to get into each other's heads before the fight.
Furthermore, it seems that Pereira is skilled at psychological gamesmanship, as he also mocked Adesanya's video reaction to the Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman trilogy fight at UFC 286, in which the No.1 ranked middleweight contender also showcased his anime collection.
The Brazilian mixed martial artist's taunts demonstrate that he is not afraid to go after Israel Adesanya's interests and hobbies in an effort to gain an advantage in the fight. It remains to be seen how Adesanya will respond to this tactic as the anticipation for the fight continues to build.
'The Last Stylebender' remarked:
"One reaction he gave like they panned to like some stuffed animals where he goes, 'Ah', and for me I'm like, who the f*ck do you think you are? I don't look at him and go, 'Why you wearing that f*cking face paint and crying on the ground like you're a tiger?'"
He further stated:
"I don't care, that's what you want to do, that's what you do. If that gives you power, that gives you power but the fact that he looks at me and the way I live my life, I wasn't even doing nothing about him, I'm living my life and it upsets him, that's very telling, that speaks a lot about him than it does about me. That was him showing his hand."
Check out the entire comment below (from 15:35 mins. onwards):