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UFC 287: Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya 2 – Prefight Breakdown

By James KoenNo Comments15 Mins Read

UFC 287 is set to take place this Saturday in the stunning city of Miami, Florida. It’s been 20 years since the last UFC event in Miami, dating back to UFC 42 in 2003, featuring Matt Hughes vs. Sean Sherk. And this time around, it’s another talk-of-the-town, UFC 287 Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya 2.

With an attendance of around 6,700 in 2003 at UFC 42, this weekend’s UFC 287 is expected to pack the Kaseya Center with a capacity of 19,600. To mark this special event, the UFC has crafted an exhilarating lineup.

The main event features middleweight champion Alex Pereira defending his title against Israel Adesanya, the man he previously snatched the belt from in a thrilling fifth-round KO last year. This bout marks their fourth encounter, with Pereira having bested Adesanya twice in kickboxing before their UFC reigns.

In the co-main event, Miami’s own accomplished welterweight veteran Jorge Masvidal aims to kick off a final title run, starting with a victory over Brazilian powerhouse Gilbert Burns. The winner of this clash could be in line for a title opportunity.

The main card also showcases rising bantamweight star Adrian Yanez, who faces a significant challenge in long-time contender Rob Font, and action-packed welterweight Kevin Holland, who meets seasoned striker Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Kicking off the main card is another bantamweight showdown, with undefeated 18-year-old talent Raul Rosas Jr. squaring off against Christian Rodriguez.

Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya

This fight is truly enthralling because, despite being behind entering the final round and needing a finish to secure victory, Pereira walked away from UFC 281 as the middleweight champion and boasting a 3-0 overall record against Adesanya across two sports.

For the champ, there’s likely a feeling of accomplishment in achieving his goal set upon transitioning to MMA from an exceptional kickboxing career, and the confidence that stems from emerging victorious each time he’s faced the charismatic “Stylebender.”

On the other hand, for the challenger, any positive aspects from their November encounter at Madison Square Garden might be overshadowed by the outcome, potentially accompanied by fleeting thoughts about whether the formidable Brazilian is that one unbeatable final boss.

Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya Fighting Style Comparison

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira are both skilled mixed martial artists, each with their unique fighting styles. This analysis will highlight the key strengths and weaknesses of both fighters, giving you a better understanding of their fighting style.

1. Striking

Israel Adesanya

Strengths: Adesanya is a world-class striker, known for his precision, speed, and fluidity. He is an expert in utilizing his reach advantage, keeping his opponents at bay with a variety of kicks and jabs. Adesanya is also a master of counter-striking, taking advantage of his opponents’ mistakes to deliver devastating blows.

Weaknesses: Although Adesanya’s striking is top-tier, he may struggle against powerful, pressure-based fighters who can close the distance and smother his striking game.

Alex Pereira

Strengths: Pereira is a highly accomplished kickboxer with powerful striking abilities. He has a strong left hook and a potent right hand, which can be game-changing in a fight. Pereira’s striking is characterized by his timing, accuracy, and ability to land combinations, often leading to brutal knockouts.

Weaknesses: Pereira’s striking may be less varied than Adesanya’s, and he may struggle against fighters with a diverse striking arsenal or exceptional defensive skills.

2. Takedown Defense and Grappling

Israel Adesanya

Strengths: Adesanya has improved his takedown defense significantly over the years, making it challenging for opponents to exploit this aspect of his game. His ability to sprawl, scramble, and regain his footing has been crucial in keeping the fight standing.

Weaknesses: Adesanya’s grappling is not his strongest suit, and he may face difficulties against high-level wrestlers or submission specialists who can take the fight to the ground.

Alex Pereira

Strengths: Pereira has a solid takedown defense, and his striking background allows him to maintain distance and avoid being taken down easily.

Weaknesses: Similar to Adesanya, Pereira’s grappling may be a weak point in his game. If he is taken down by a skilled wrestler or grappler, he may struggle to regain control or defend against submission attempts.

3. Cardio and Endurance

Israel Adesanya

Strengths: Adesanya has showcased excellent cardio and endurance throughout his career, often maintaining a high pace throughout multiple rounds. His ability to conserve energy and manage his output makes him a dangerous opponent in the later stages of a fight.

Weaknesses: While Adesanya’s cardio is generally reliable, he may face challenges if pressured continuously by an aggressive opponent with a relentless pace.

Alex Pereira

Strengths: Pereira is known for his solid cardio, enabling him to maintain a high output during fights. His experience in kickboxing has helped him develop the stamina required for long, grueling battles.

Weaknesses: If Pereira is forced into an unfamiliar territory, such as an extended grappling exchange, his cardio may be tested, and his striking effectiveness may wane.

This matchup remains an intriguing tactical battle between the stronger, aggressive Pereira and the nimble, counter-striking style of Adesanya, who demonstrated in their previous encounter that he can incorporate grappling to diversify the exchanges as needed.

This rivalry isn’t characterized by animosity, verbal sparring, or pre-fight hostility. Instead, it’s a competition between two top-tier talents striving to establish their dominance at the highest level, where both fighters understand that the next bout is always the most crucial in the series.

Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal 

Gilbert Burns heads to Miami to face Jorge Masvidal in his home territory in the welterweight co-main event.

Burns has a 2-1 record since his welterweight title challenge, defeating Stephen Thompson before his epic battle with Khamzat Chimaev last year and subsequently securing a dominant submission victory over Neil Magny.

On the other hand, Masvidal has struggled, as “Gamebred” followed his consecutive losses to Usman with a unanimous decision defeat against Colby Covington in UFC 272’s main event last March. He now aims to break free from his slump in front of a supportive hometown crowd.

Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal Fighting Style Comparison

Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal are talented mixed martial artists, each with their distinct fighting styles.

1. Striking

Gilbert Burns

Strengths: Burns is a powerful striker with heavy hands and a diverse striking arsenal. He has developed his striking skills over the years, adding dangerous kicks and knees to his repertoire. His striking is characterized by power and explosiveness, capable of ending fights quickly.

Weaknesses: While Burns has improved his striking, he may struggle against opponents with superior reach or more refined striking techniques, particularly those who can maintain distance and avoid his power shots.

Jorge Masvidal

Strengths: Masvidal is an experienced and well-rounded striker known for his boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai skills. He has excellent timing, speed, and accuracy, allowing him to pick apart his opponents on the feet. Masvidal is also a dangerous counter-striker with fight-ending power.

Weaknesses: Masvidal’s striking may be less effective against high-level pressure fighters or those with strong grappling backgrounds who can negate his striking game by taking the fight to the ground.

2. Takedown Defense and Grappling

Gilbert Burns

Strengths: Burns is a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with a black belt and numerous grappling accolades. His grappling skills are a significant strength, allowing him to dominate opponents on the ground and threaten with submissions. Additionally, Burns has strong takedown defense, making it difficult for opponents to exploit this aspect of his game.

Weaknesses: Burns’ grappling is so strong that it is difficult to identify any significant weaknesses. However, he may struggle against elite wrestlers who can nullify his submission game and maintain top control.

Jorge Masvidal

Strengths: Masvidal has solid takedown defense and a strong grappling background, with a knack for scrambling and avoiding danger on the ground. He has shown the ability to defend against submission attempts and return to his feet.

Weaknesses: While Masvidal’s grappling is solid, he may face difficulties against top-tier grapplers or submission specialists who can control the fight on the ground and threaten with submission attempts.

3. Cardio and Endurance

Gilbert Burns

Strengths: Burns has demonstrated good cardio and endurance in his fights, often maintaining a high pace and output throughout multiple rounds.

Weaknesses: Burns’ cardio may be tested in fights against opponents who can push the pace and force him into extended striking exchanges or grappling battles.

Jorge Masvidal

Strengths: Masvidal has excellent cardio and endurance, often showcasing the ability to maintain a high output throughout the fight. His experience in multiple five-round battles has honed his stamina and ability to manage his energy effectively.

Weaknesses: While Masvidal’s cardio is generally strong, he may face challenges against relentless pressure fighters who can force him to work continuously without giving him a chance to recover.

Burns excels in grappling and power striking, while Masvidal is a well-rounded and experienced striker with solid grappling skills. Both fighters have shown strong takedown defense, but may still be vulnerable to elite wrestlers or grapplers. Their cardio and endurance are generally reliable, with potential weaknesses tied to the specific challenges of a given fight.

As Edwards now reigns supreme in the division, this fight has genuine championship implications. Burns can make a case for contention with a victory, and Masvidal shares some history with the champ, so keep a close eye on how this bout unfolds.

Rob Font vs. Adrian Yanez

In a classic “veteran versus prospect” showdown, Rob Font and Adrian Yanez face off in the bantamweight division during Saturday’s pay-per-view main card.

Although Font has lost two consecutive bouts, he remains a top-10 contender at 135 pounds. The new father possesses one of the finest jabs in the sport and has an abundance of experience against high-level competition. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Yanez is unbeaten in five UFC bouts and holds a nine-fight winning streak overall. However, he steps up to face a ranked opponent for the first time in his career.

Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez Fighting Style Comparison

Rob Font and Adrian Yanez are both skilled mixed martial artists with distinct fighting styles. We’ve pulled a detailed comparison between the two stars’ fighting style.

1. Striking

Rob Font

Strengths: Font is known for his crisp, technical striking, utilizing a stiff jab and solid boxing fundamentals. He has good footwork and distance management, allowing him to keep opponents at bay and land clean shots. His striking accuracy and ability to string combinations together make him a dangerous opponent on the feet.

Weaknesses: Font’s striking can be vulnerable against fighters with exceptional speed, power, or unorthodox striking techniques. He may also struggle against high-level wrestlers or grapplers who can neutralize his striking game by taking the fight to the ground.

Adrian Yanez

Strengths: Yanez is an aggressive and accurate striker with a diverse arsenal of techniques. His striking is characterized by fast, powerful punches and well-timed counter-strikes. Yanez’s combinations and ability to mix up his attack with kicks and knees make him a formidable opponent on the feet.

Weaknesses: Yanez’s striking may be less effective against fighters who can maintain distance and avoid his power shots. He could also struggle against high-level grapplers who can take the fight to the ground and neutralize his striking game.

2. Takedown Defense and Grappling

Rob Font

Strengths: Font has solid takedown defense, which allows him to keep the fight standing and focus on his striking game. He has shown the ability to defend against takedowns and get back to his feet when taken down.

Weaknesses: While Font’s takedown defense is generally strong, he may face challenges against elite wrestlers or grapplers who can control the fight on the ground and threaten with submissions.

Adrian Yanez

Strengths: Yanez has demonstrated decent takedown defense and the ability to scramble effectively when taken down. His focus is primarily on striking, but he has enough grappling skills to avoid being easily controlled on the ground.

Weaknesses: Yanez’s grappling game may be less developed compared to his striking, making him potentially vulnerable against top-tier grapplers or submission specialists who can control the fight on the ground and threaten with submission attempts.

3. Cardio and Endurance

Rob Font

Strengths: Font has shown good cardio and endurance in his fights, often maintaining a steady pace and output throughout multiple rounds.

Weaknesses: Font’s cardio could be tested in fights against relentless pressure fighters or those who can push the pace and force him into extended grappling exchanges.

Adrian Yanez

Strengths: Yanez has displayed solid cardio and endurance in his fights, allowing him to maintain a high pace and output throughout the contest.

Weaknesses: Yanez’s cardio may be challenged in fights against opponents who can dictate the pace and force him into extended grappling exchanges or high-output striking battles.

In conclusion, both Rob Font and Adrian Yanez are skilled fighters with unique strengths and weaknesses. Font excels in technical striking and takedown defense, while Yanez is an aggressive and powerful striker with decent grappling skills. Both fighters have shown reliable cardio and endurance, but may face challenges depending on the specific dynamics of a given fight.

Kevin Holland vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio

The first pair of welterweights to enter the Octagon on Saturday night will be Kevin Holland and Santiago Ponzinibbio, who face off after vastly different outcomes in their most recent fights.

Holland is currently on a two-fight losing streak, following his short-notice defeat to Chimaev and a fourth-round, injury-induced stoppage loss to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson last year. On the other hand, Ponzinibbio comes in after a thrilling comeback victory, rallying to finish Alex Morono in the third round of a bout he was losing.

Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio Fighting Style Comparison

Kevin Holland and Santiago Ponzinibbio are both talented mixed martial artists with different fighting styles. This analysis highlights the key features of their fighting style.

1. Striking

Kevin Holland

Strengths: Holland is a versatile striker with a diverse arsenal of strikes, including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. He has excellent reach and uses it effectively to keep opponents at distance. Holland’s unorthodox striking style, creativity, and ability to strike from various angles make him a dangerous opponent on the feet.

Weaknesses: Holland’s striking defense can sometimes leave him vulnerable to powerful counter-strikes. Additionally, he may struggle against high-level wrestlers or grapplers who can neutralize his striking game by taking the fight to the ground.

Santiago Ponzinibbio

Strengths: Ponzinibbio is an aggressive and powerful striker with crisp boxing and devastating leg kicks. His ability to apply pressure and mix up his striking combinations makes him a formidable opponent in stand-up exchanges.

Weaknesses: Ponzinibbio’s striking defense may be vulnerable against opponents with exceptional speed or unorthodox striking techniques. He could also face challenges against high-level wrestlers or grapplers who can neutralize his striking game by initiating ground combat.

2. Takedown Defense and Grappling

Kevin Holland

Strengths: Holland possesses decent takedown defense and has shown the ability to scramble effectively when taken down. Additionally, he is dangerous off his back, using his long limbs to threaten opponents with submissions.

Weaknesses: Despite his defensive grappling skills, Holland has had difficulties against elite wrestlers or grapplers who can control the fight on the ground and threaten with submissions or ground-and-pound.

Santiago Ponzinibbio

Strengths: Ponzinibbio has solid takedown defense, which allows him to focus on his striking game. He is also a competent grappler with a good understanding of positioning and submission defense.

Weaknesses: Ponzinibbio’s grappling may be less developed compared to his striking, making him potentially vulnerable against top-tier grapplers or submission specialists who can control the fight on the ground and threaten with submission attempts.

3. Cardio and Endurance

Kevin Holland

Strengths: Holland has demonstrated respectable cardio and endurance in his fights, often maintaining a steady pace and output throughout multiple rounds.

Weaknesses: Holland’s cardio could be tested in fights against relentless pressure fighters or those who can push the pace and force him into extended grappling exchanges.

Santiago Ponzinibbio

Strengths: Ponzinibbio has shown impressive cardio and endurance in his fights, enabling him to maintain a high pace and output throughout the contest.

Weaknesses: Ponzinibbio’s cardio may be challenged in fights against opponents who can dictate the pace and force him into extended grappling exchanges or high-output striking battles.

Holland and Ponzinibbio showcase contrasting styles inside the Octagon, with Holland often appearing unfocused and entertaining the crowd, while his Argentine opponent displays unwavering determination and focus from the moment he enters the cage. Will Holland rebound or will Ponzinibbio hand him a third consecutive loss?

Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Christian Rodriguez

Up-and-coming bantamweights Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez are set to kick off the main card in Miami this weekend.

At just 18 years old, Rosas Jr. is one of the most captivating fighters on the roster, holding the distinction of being the youngest fighter to ever secure a UFC victory, and impressively not appearing out of place at this level despite his youth.

Rodriguez, a talented 25-year-old prospect, boasts an 8-1 overall record. His only loss came in a short-notice fight, up a weight class, against rising featherweight Jonathan Pearce during his UFC debut.

This matchup not only emphasizes the bantamweight division’s reputation as the deepest and most competitive in the UFC, but it also highlights the promising future of the 135-pound weight class.

To conclude, the truth is that we can’t contain our excitement for the burst of fierceness, competitiveness, and entertainment that UFC 287 promises to unleash this weekend. So, RDX Sports will ensure to keep  you posted on all the thrilling outcomes of the UFC 287 saga as things unfold.

 

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