Former middleweight champ Alex Pereira came out with his first statement after suffering a second-round KO at the main event of UFC 287 at the hands of Israel Adesanya. The Brazilian, who many felt would manage to beat Adesanya yet again; ended up on the receiving end of a devastating knockout that saw him lose his middleweight title in front of a packed Miami crowd.

While the second-round finish might have come as disappointing news for his fans; ‘Poatan’ in his latest Instagram post, displayed why he was a true champion in the hearts of many in the sport. The 35-year-old shared a clip of him and Adesanya having a conversation following the fight, where both were seen expressing their immense respect for each other. Pereira, reaching out to his fans through the post, also happened to address his plans moving ahead.

On a similar note, UFC president Dana White, too, had remarked on Pereira’s future during the post-fight press conference. Now whether Pereira’s and the UFC president’s plans coincide with each other is something only time will tell.

Following UFC 287 defeat, Alex Pereira pens social media post regarding future

The short clip shared by the Brazilian displayed the mutual respect both fighters had for each other, despite the long and heated rivalry that they had shared over the years. Adesanya, in the video, was also heard commending Pereira for being a great champ as they both shook hands while fans and cameras surrounded them.

Accompanying the post was the caption that demonstrated Pereira’s mentality following the loss. Thanking his family, team, and fans, he revealed that plans for his future were already in motion, and all he needed was a short rest before commencing his work.

“Just passing by to say everything is ok! I want to thank my family, my team, and all of you who follow me and like my work. Now I just need to rest to go back and continue with the plans that are already drawn, thank you, God.” he wrote.

Interestingly, Dana White had claimed during the post-fight presser that the former champ might end up moving up to light heavyweight; which could be a possibility considering the massive weight cut that ‘Poatan’ subjects himself to.

“Honestly, I think that Pereira probably moves to 205 after this fight he’s a monster” White claimed during the interview.

Move to Light Heavyweight is a possibility for Alex Pereira

Rumors of Pereira moving up to Light heavyweight had already been doing the rounds after Glover Teixeira‘s loss against Jamahal Hill at UFC 283. Speculations about ‘Poatan’ avenging his fellow Brazilian and training partner’s loss had made quite a buzz during that time frame.

Even Adesanya, during his interaction with the media, addressed the topic; stating that his nemesis could be moving up rather than working his way up for a rematch.

Read More: “Rest in Peace to a Great Man” – Israel Adesanya Pays Tribute to UFC Veteran After His UFC 287 Win Against Alex Pereira

For Pereira, despite UFC 287 turning out to be a disappointment; there’s no doubt that a move up to light heavyweight could just be the best possible decision for him currently.

Watch This Stroy:  The Saga Of Bad Blood Between Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya