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Alex Pereira is set to fight Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 281. For probably the first time in his UFC middleweight career, 'The Last Stylebender' will not have an overwhelming height or reach advantage against his opponent. The bout will go down this evening at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Brazilian 'Poatan' is slightly taller than the Kiwi at 1.94m, as the champion stands at 1.93m. 'The Last Stylebender' has a reach of 80 inches, which is just an inch over Pereira's.
Both fighters are equally matched in their physical attributes for the most part. The most distinct difference is the power difference between the pair. Despite weighing the same and having the same height and build, the Brazilian seems to generate unnatural power every time his left hand connects with its target.
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His moniker 'Poatan' translates to 'Hands of Stone' in his indigenous language. In his last fight at UFC 276, the former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion knocked out Sean Strickland with a thundering left hook.
Adesanya is only too familiar with his opponents' unnatural power, having fought him twice during their Glory Kickboxing days. Alex Pereira won the first bout via decision. In their second fight, 'Poatan' KO'd Adesanya, courtesy of the same left hook.
In just his fourth fight in the UFC, Pereira will face Israel Adesanya and look to beat him for the third time and dethrone the middleweight champion.
Take a look at the knockout:
Israel Adesanya says Alex Pereira should have "killed him in Brazil"
Israel Adesanya came out with a strong message for Alex Pereira before their UFC 281 matchup. 'The Last Stylebender' alluded to his KO defeat and his comeback:
"Crush your enemies totally. If you leave any sign of life they'll come back for revenge. He [Pereira] should've killed me in Brazil, but yeah now it's my time and I'll crush him totally. Or maybe I'll just jab and leg kick him, we'll see."
His jab and leg kick comments were aimed at those who criticized him for fighting boring fights and dragging out decision victories. Adesanya's last three title defences have all been won on the scorecards.
However, Adesanya promises this won't be the case when he fights his former kickboxing nemesis in the octagon for the first time.
Take a look at the interview:
