What’s next for Alex Pereira & Israel Adesanya as Brazilian dethrones ‘Izzy’ to complete meteoric rise at UFC 281

BRAZIL claimed yet another UFC champion at Madison Square Garden last night as Alex Pereira bagged the 185lbs title against Israel Adesanya.

In what was the world number one promotion’s return to the iconic MSG, the card didn’t disappoint, and either did the new champion in just his forth contest with the UFC.

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Alex Pereira ends Israel Adesanya title reign during their Middleweight fight at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden last night

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The referee stops the fight after Alex Pereira knocks down Israel Adesanya during the 5th round on his way to winning the title at UFC 281

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The Brazilian kick boxing ace put an end to Adesanya’s reign as undisputed middleweight champion with a fifth-round knockout of the New Zealand based Nigerian superstar.

Heading into the final round of the contest its seemed as though 11/4 underdog Pereira had too much ground to make up on Adesanya during the sixth defence of his crown.

BUT he somehow rallied to finish the fight as he left his full arsenal in the Octagon.

Adesanya slumped towards the canvas but managed to stagger back to his feet against the cage, but Pereira continued to unleash his full repertoire of shots as referee Marc Goddard saw enough call a halt to end ‘The Last Stylebender’s’ 12-fight middleweight streak.

The pair of course met twice during their time as professional kickboxers, and the new champion now leads 3-0 from their combat sports meetings.

But what’s next for both after last night’s result.

IMMEDIATE REMATCH

There’s no doubt that the former champion would deserve an immediate rematch following the nature of his loss against the Brazilian.

You must also factor in the duration of ‘The Last Stylebender’s’ 185lbs title reign. He has been champion since 2019, and his unbeaten streak at that weight class was only bettered by MMA legend Anderson Silva.

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UFC President Dana White also refused to rule out an immediate rematch either as he praised the former champion’s willingness to take on all comers.

White told the gathered media at the post-fight press conference at Madison Square Garden: “A lot of people talk publicly and it’s a whole different story behind the scenes. That guy is an absolute stud. He always wants to stay active.

“In a fight that most guys would stall, ‘Give me more time. Give me this, that,’ he dove right into this fight. His only loss was when he tried to move up in weight to 205. You’ve got to respect him as champ and what he’s done. I wouldn’t rule (an immediate rematch) out.”

FRESH CHALLENGERS

While an immediate rematch can’t be ruled out, and is probably most likely. I’d like to see the former champion sit the next title fight out.

A new reign, and challenger would be a sensible way for the UFC to go as they could use some fresh contenders for the division that Adesanya has dominated until now.

The ex-champion may well reach the top again but fresh match ups would hugely re-invigorate the division, and I wouldn’t be against the Auckland based fighter sitting out until Pereira defends his title against another party, and then book the rematch.

And there are plenty of options for the newly crowned UFC middleweight kingpin after just four fights into his career with the promotion.

UFC brass may opt to breathe new life into the division and pit the Brazilian against former champion Robert Whittaker, who would offer a different problem than Adesanya with his pacey striking and takedown skills.

And the Aussie may well be the option for the UFC if they decide to go against a rematch. His only losses since 2014 have come against Adesanya.

In fact the division is low on real challengers bar Whittaker with Marvin Vettori, Paulo Costa, Derek Brunson, Jarrod Cannonier and Darren Till all coming off defeats.

In reality it’s the only likely contest that makes sense, if the UFC don’t book an immediate rematch.