Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping predicts that Alex Pereira will successfully defend his title against Israel Adesanya in their main event title bout at UFC 287, citing Pereira’s improved takedown and submission defense.
Former middleweight champion, Michael Bisping, has predicted the outcome of the Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya UFC 287 main event title bout. Pereira is set to defend his belt against Adesanya in a rematch at Miami-Dade Arena, Florida. Pereira captured the title from Adesanya, his former kickboxing opponent, in November’s UFC 281 main event.
Pereira possesses two kickboxing wins over Adesanya, one by decision and one by knockout. Bisping expects Adesanya to attempt grappling, given his excellent coordination, but doesn’t think he will succeed. Pereira’s coach, Glover Teixeira, claims that Pereira has improved his takedown defense since the last fight.
According to Bisping, the key to victory for Adesanya is getting Pereira moving backward and keeping him on his back foot. On the other hand, Bisping believes Pereira’s power is the equalizer in the rematch. He believes Pereira has dramatically improved his takedown defense, and his submission defense is better overall. Despite Adesanya being the favorite in the fight, Bisping concludes that Pereira will come out oozing with confidence and get the job done once again.
In summary, Bisping has previewed UFC 287 and given his thoughts on the forthcoming main event title bout between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya. He notes that both fighters have strengths that could lead to victory, but ultimately Bisping predicts that Pereira will retain his title.