The main event at UFC 287 might just have brought the curtains down to one of the most longstanding and fiercest rivalries in combat sports history as Israel Adesanya finally got his much-awaited revenge on Alex Pereira with a second-round devastating KO.

Although many would be hoping that a trilogy would serve as a fitting end to this rivalry, Dana White‘s and Adesanya’s post-fight conference appeared to give out the opposite message. Adding to these developments, Pereira’s latest social media post also seemingly confirmed that the two fighters might just have buried their hatchet and decided to move ahead into whatever their careers have in store for them in the future.

Alex Pereira makes the first statement following KO loss at UFC 287

The Brazilian, following the loss, reached out to his friends, family, and his supporters through social media in an emotional post; which was also accompanied by a video clip of his wholesome interaction with Israel Adesanya.

Addressing his fans, Pereira thanked everyone for standing with him throughout his journey and, interestingly, also hinted at what his future might hold for him.

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“I’m just here to let u know that I’m fine! I want to thank my family, my team, and all the people who are supporting me during my journey. Now I just have to rest and continue with the plans that are already on motion. Thanks god.” He wrote. 

For fans of the duo, the interaction between the two bitter rivals must have come as a sweet surprise considering the endless back and forth they had while leading up to this fight. Now at this point when both seemed to have buried the hatchet, naturally the question that arises will be about Pereira’s next step in his career.

Is a light heavyweight move next in store for Alex Pereira?

Although ‘Poatan’ didn’t exactly reveal his next step, he did mention working on prior plans, even stating they were already in motion. While fans speculate as to what that might mean, the post-fight press conference from Dana White and Adesanya appeared to hint that a move up to light heavyweight was the best move for the Brazilian.

When asked by the media about the subject, White confirmed this through his statement during the presser.

“Honestly, I think that Pereira probably moves to 205 after this fight. He’s a monster,” he stated.

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Ultimately, whatever the 35-year-old’s plans turn out to be, the fact that he and Adesanya showed nothing but respect after being part of such a long and bitter rivalry, does come as a rather sweet ending to one of the most riveting stories in combat sports.

Watch This Story: The Saga of Bad Blood Between Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya