The UFC 287 main event has fans believing that Israel Adesanya is the underdog going into the fight. These opinions are based on ‘The Last Stylebender’s three losses to Alex Pereira in his entire professional fighting career. However, it was revealed that Adesanya is the firm favorite heading into the fight.

Adesanya is aiming to add Alex Pereira to his list of defeated fighters after three unsuccessful attempts, including one in the UFC. He is not letting anything stop him from winning and finally defeating his toughest rival yet. Moreover, sources claim that he has the edge heading into his championship rematch at UFC 287.

Israel Adesanya reacts to being the favorite to win

In a recent interview with TMZ, Israel Adesanya was surprised to hear that he was the fans’ favorite for his next big fight. He said, “I am surprised by that, to be honest. I thought the bookies weren’t smart as they are.” The Kiwi fighter added, “So I am surprised they actually picked me as a favorite because I am the more polished fighter.”

However, Adesanya is not underestimating his arch-rival. He added, “He’s [Alex Pereira] got those tools. He’s got that nuke. Only a few fighters in history have that.” The former champion claims that ‘Poatan’ is one of the few fighters who possess extraordinary skills to overcome their opponents.

The former champion believes that he is lucky to fight Alex Pereira

As Adesanya noted in the interview, his coach, Eugene Bareman, told him he was lucky to fight Pereira. He said, “Eugene said in an interview, ‘You’re lucky to face a Mike Tyson, you’re lucky to face a guy like David Tua, lucky to face a guy like Deontay Wilder.” 

Adesanya added, “You have to face a guy like Alex Pereira once in your career. So lucky me.” The former champion believes that every fighter should face a tough opponent like ‘Poatan’ who can elevate them to the next level as a person and as a fighter.

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Many fans do not believe that the former champion would be able to overcome. But Adesanya believes he can genuine threat to his opponents every second of every round, even warning ‘Poatan’. He is putting a lot of pressure on winning the fight and is determined to finally succeed.

What are your thoughts on Adesanya vs Pereira 2? Drop your comments below.

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