Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira and 4 other big fights the UFC should target going forward

#4. Valentina Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes III - UFC women’s bantamweight division

Shevchenko and Nunes have a combined record of 44-8

The two previously fought at UFC 196 and UFC 215, with Amanda Nunes winning on both occasions. That might lead fans to think that booking a trilogy fight between the pair is not necessary, an opinion that was at one point held by Dana White. However, it may now be time to start targeting a third fight.

Valentina Shevchenko and Amanda Nunes are likely the two best fighters that women’s MMA has ever seen. While they have fought twice, the rivalry did not have a satisfactory conclusion, with many feeling Shevchenko won the second bout.

Additionally, with both women not looking quite as dominant recently, the UFC would be smart to book this fight whilst interest remains high. If Nunes or Shevchenko suffered any further losses, the demand to see a trilogy fight would likely decline.

---

#3. Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira - UFC middleweight division

Adesanya and Pereira have a combined record of 27-2

As mentioned previously, it has been fairly obvious for some time now that the UFC are very interested in seeing this fight happen. One can understand why, as the promotional material almost writes itself: the dominant champion Israel Adesanya trying to get revenge on the man who knocked him out, Alex Pereira.

The treatment of Pereira is what has indicated just how keen the company is to see this fight. He has very much been on a fast track to the top of the division, and the Brazilian now faces Sean Strickland in just his third fight in the company.

Both Adesanya and Pereira are scheduled to compete next weekend at UFC 276. If both men are victorious in their upcoming bouts, it is possible that they could be pit against each other in the relatively near future. The story here is very intriguing, so it makes sense that this fight is being targeted so blatantly.