Chuck Liddell predicts that Alex Pereira will finish Israel Adesanya inside three rounds in their upcoming rematch at UFC 287.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell has been assisting middleweight titleholder Alex Pereira in his preparations for a rematch against former champion Israel Adesanya. Pereira defeated Adesanya in November during UFC 281 and holds two kickboxing wins against him. Liddell believes that Adesanya has a lot to overcome mentally after losing all three times that he has been in a ring or the octagon with Pereira. He predicts that Pereira will finish Adesanya inside three rounds, citing the Brazilian’s strength and size advantage.
Liddell has also commented on Pereira’s potential to fight in higher divisions. Pereira has expressed interest in taking on heavier opponents and has talked about moving up to the heavyweight division. Liddell believes that Pereira’s size and body type could support a transition to higher weight classes, stating that he is strong enough to fight at 205 pounds and hits hard enough for a 205-pounder.
The rematch between Pereira and Adesanya will headline UFC 287 on April 8 at Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. Liddell has been helping Pereira with “some of the wrestling stuff” and believes that the Brazilian is looking sharp in his training. While he believes that Adesanya’s previous losses to Pereira will weigh heavily on his mind, he expects a competitive fight that will end quickly.
Overall, Liddell’s predictions and comments provide insight into Pereira’s training and potential as a fighter, as well as Adesanya’s challenges as he seeks to overcome past defeats. Fans of the UFC will undoubtedly be interested to see how the rematch between these two titans of the sport unfolds.