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Israel Adesanya does not want Alex Pereira to manipulate his weight for the rematch
New Zealand professional mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya has called on the authorities to intervene ahead of his next fight.
The style bender headlines the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 287 event in Miami against Brazilian professional mixed martial artist Alexsandro Pereira.
Back in November 2022, Pereira at the time ranked number six in the Middlweight division and produced a knockout win against Adesanya in round five of the UFC 281 main event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Adesanya and Pereira trade words at press conference
Ahead of the fight, Adesanya had harsh words for Pereira at the press conference.
He said, “F**k the belt. I’m going to rip his head off. I’m a dog on a leash, and I’m about to be let loose.”
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08:50 - 07.04.2023
UFC Israel Adesanya explains wearing a dog collar to face off against Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya shows off a stylish dog chain for a face-off against Alex Pereira.
The 33-year-old rose to the top of the social media trends with his outfit to the event.
The Style Bender chose to wear a dog collar inspired by the Unleashed film starring the late Chinese actor Jet Li.
Following their official face-off for the fight, Adesanya reiterated his ambition to cause serious damage to Pereira.
Adesanya wants USADA intervention against Pereira
Adesanya understands the importance of the fight with Pereira and has called for strict intervention by the appropriate authorities.
There have been claims that Pereira cuts weight to make the required 185lbs for the fight and his rehydration to get back to normal weight goes against the rules.
Adesanya has therefore called on the United States Anti-Doping Agency to monitor Pereira extensively ahead of the rematch.
The former UFC Middlweight champion took to his official social media platform to send a message to the agency.
He said, "USADA, monitor us from the moment we get off the scale till we hit the arena on Saturday. Have people take shifts if they have to…no loopholes to jump here."
Adesanya was 184.5lbs at the weigh-in session ahead of the fight against Pereira.
The reigning champion took some time and came back after the co-main event duo of Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal for his session.
Pereira weighed in at 185lbs and was criticized by the fans for his looks seemingly going to extreme measures to make the fight happen.
Adesanya reiterated his plea to the authorities suggesting that the rehydration procedure must be monitored.
He added, "Fine then, I’ll just use an IV to rehydrate. What’s the “legal loophole limit” again?"
Adesanya and Pereira will have their last face-off at the ceremonial weigh-in event before they wrap up preparations for the fight.
In the main event of UFC 287, Adesanya takes on Pereira at the Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
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