Israel Adesanya to defend UFC title against kickboxing rival at UFC 281

Reigning UFC middleweight world champion Israel Adesanya is slated to defend his gold-plated strap against a familiar foe in Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 281 on November 12 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

“A fitting headliner for our return to MSG! Israel Adesanya defends the UFC Middleweight title against Alex Pereira this November!” UFC announced today.

Adesanya and Pereira previously fought twice under kickboxing rules. They first met inside the ring in 2016 where the Brazilian won via decision. A rematch took place the following year where Adesanya was left lying on the canvas after eating a monstrous left hook.

The 33-year-old Adesanya is 23-1 as a mixed martial artist and has won all of his fights in the 185-pound division and is coming off a unanimous decision nod over Jared Cannonier last month. Peirera, meanwhile, is 6-1 in MMA and has won all three of his fights in the UFC.

—JMB, GMA News