UFC 281: Michael Chiesa predicts a submission win in Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira title fight - "He's too savvy to lose this fight"
Israel Adesanya will face Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 281 this weekend. The middleweight clash is widely seen as one of the most anticipated title fights this year.
There is plenty of history between Adesanya and Pereira. The pair have faced off twice in kickboxing, with 'Poatan' walking away victorious on both occasions.
Most fans and pundits have predicted a standup battle between two of the most nuanced strikers in MMA. However, UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa sees things differently. He's predicted a submission victory for 'The Last Stylebender'.
Chiesa spoke to Paul Felder about the upcoming middleweight title fight on the UFC's show Round-Up, and said:
"He's too savvy to lose this fight man. I think he really wants to come out with bad intentions and finish this fight. If I was to sprinkle a little dart throw in there... I would pick Israel by submission."
Watch the video below:
Israel Adesanya has far more experience in the world of MMA. This has led some pundits to think that the champion may have a fairly large advantage in the grappling realm.
'The Last Stylebender' is a newly minted Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt under Andre Galvao. With that, he may be able to submit Pereira under the right circumstances.
Israel Adesanya grades Alex Pereira's UFC career a 5 out of 10
Israel Adesanya is days away from putting his coveted UFC middleweight title on the line. 'The Last Stylebender' will take on Alex Pereira in the main event of a stacked UFC 281 card at Madison Square Garden.
The pair of middleweights have fought twice previously in kickboxing. 'Poatan' won the first fight via decision and the second via knockout.
After their rematch, Adesanya transitioned to MMA and has found immense success in the UFC. Pereira, on the other hand, is far less experienced in MMA and only entered the UFC in November 2021.
The middleweight champion was recently interviewed by his brother in the buildup to the upcoming fight. 'The Last Stylebender' was asked to grade the UFC career of his upcoming opponent.
Adesanya said:
"4 or 5 [out of 10]. I think that last one brought it to a 5..."
Watch the interview below:
Israel Adesanya will hope to use the experience he has gained in MMA against his less-experienced counterpart, Alex Pereira, and remain undefeated at 185lbs.