Five reasons to watch UFC 287, with Poatan and Adesanya in a middleweight title rematch

Alex Poatán (left) facing Israel adesanya. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The big moment has arrived. This Saturday (8), Miami (USA), the UFC 287. With 13 fights scheduled, the show presents fans with an immediate rematch between Alex Poatán e Israel adesanya, who will face each other again in a fight for the middleweight title (up to 83,9kg.).

Around five months after their first meeting under MMA rules, the Brazilian champion is trying to maintain 100% in the fight against the former leader of the category. Last season, Poatan shocked the world in a historic turn, by knocking out 'Izzy' in the last round.

See too

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UFC 287 warm-up: Review the first fight between Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya

In the co-main fight, Gilbert Durinho has an important commitment. Highlight of the welterweight division (up to 77,1kg), the Brazilian faces Jorge masvidal and, in case of victory, they could get closer to a new title fight in the division.

In addition to Poatan and Durinho, Brazil has two more representatives. Luana pinheiro e Jacqueline Amorim are attractions on the preliminary card.

To get into the spirit of the show, the team at the SUPER FIGHTS selected five reasons to follow the event. Check out:

1) Who is the King of Middleweight?

I. Adesanya (left) kicks A. Poatan (right) in the UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

When they faced each other for the first time under MMA rules, it was known that Alex Poatán accumulated two victories over Israel adesanya in kickboxing rules (2016 and 2017). Hired by the UFC to 'haunt' the Nigerian, who, from 2019 until the end of last season, reigned supreme in the group, the Brazilian fulfilled his role.

In the trilogy against 'Izzy' in combat sports, another victory for the São Paulo native. In addition to wearing the unprecedented belt and becoming the first Tupiniquim to assume the throne since the end of the reign of Anderson Silva, the 'Bogeyman' increased his advantage over his favorite victim.

About five months after being dethroned, Adesanya made a 'lightning comeback' and is once again facing his main threat. The compromise, however, will answer the question: Will Israel be able to ignore its greatest tormentor and resume its former throne?

2) The future of Israel Adesanya

I.Adesanya (photo) at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

During the event week, Israel adesanya he even publicly assumed that the fight against Poatan would be his last opportunity to wear the middleweight belt. Beaten three times by the Brazilian, the Nigerian understands that a new stumble could affect his future in the sport.

No UFC 281, in addition to losing the throne, Israel suffered the first defeat in his career in clashes contested at middleweight. Before suffering the hard knockout, the Nigerian had accumulated 22 positive results in the division.

The one who has already been compared to Anderson Silva, could be close to a traumatic farewell to the sport. At 33 years old, 'Izzy' could be left with 'no way out' if he continues to be haunted by the 'Brazilian ghost'.

3) Gilbert Durinho: one step away from the belt

G. Durinho in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Willing to face anyone and at any time, Gilbert Durinho He asked so much that it was answered. Current number five in the welterweight rankings (up to 77,1kg), the Niteroi native is looking to get closer to a new title fight in the group.

Surpassed by the former champion, Kamaru Usman, in his first attempt, the Brazilian can put himself in excellent condition, if he is successful over the weekend. Ahead, the fighter will have Jorge masvidal, a 38-year-old veteran, who is going through the worst moment of his career, with three consecutive defeats.

If he wins one of the company's popularity successes, Durinho could return to the role of challenger, as he has a history of good service to the UFC.

On the other side, Masvidal is experiencing a decisive moment. During the week, the American even considered retirement, in case he suffers the fourth setback in a row.

4) Phenomenon candidate

Raúl Rosas Jr.. He is the youngest athlete to enter the UFC Octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

This Saturday, MMA fans will be able to watch the second presentation of Raúl Rosas Jr.. in Ultimate. Hired by the company at the age of 17, after appearing on the 'Dana White' Contender Series', the fighter was only able to debut with the company last season, after he turned 18.

In his debut, the Mexican didn't feel the pressure and shined in the Octagon with the finish Jay Perrin, at the end of 2022. UFC 287, Rosas will measure forces with Christian rodriguez and will try to prove its worth.

The bantamweight (up to 61,2kg), which has already made public its desire to break the Jon Jones As the youngest fighter to win an Ultimate belt, he will take a new step. Today, the fighter performs in the division led by Brandon Moreno.

5) Brazilians on the card

L. Pinheiro Idir.) beats S. Hughes (right) at UFC Vegas 43. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Besides Alex Poatán e Gilbert Durinho, Brazil will have two more representatives. The stars perform on the preliminary card.

Promise in strawweight (up to 52,1kg.), Luana pinheiro will have his third commitment with UFC gloves. Ahead, the Minas Gerais team will have the veteran Michelle Waterson. If they win, Tupiniquim could take their place in the top 10 of the group led by Weili Zhang.

Former LFA strawweight champion, Jacqueline Amorim will make a dream come true this weekend. Undefeated in MMA, the Manauara will measure strength with the hanging Sam Hughes, who enters the octagon under pressure for a victory.

UFC 287 technical sheet

Data: 08 of April of 2023

Timetable: From 19pm (Brasília time)

Location: Miami-Dade Arena, in Miami, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time and UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online

MAIN CARD (23 p.m. Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Alex Poatán x Israel adesanya – Fight for the belt

Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Gilbert Durinho x Jorge masvidal

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Rob font x Adrian Yanez

Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Kevin holland x Santiago Ponzinibbio

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Raúl Rosas Jr.. x Christian rodriguez

PRELIMINARY CARD (19 p.m. Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Chris Curtis x Kelvin Gastelum

Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Michelle Waterson x Luana pinheiro

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Gerald meerschaert x joe pyfer

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Karl Williams x Chase sherman

Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Cynthia calvillo x Lupita Godinez

Married weight (up to 72,5kg): Ignatius Bahamondes x Trey Ogden

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Shayilan Nuerdanbieke x Steve Garcia

Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Jacqueline Amorim x Sam Hughes

Roobet sponsors UFC 287 coverage

A robot sponsors coverage of UFC 287 straight from Miami (USA), highlighting the fight Alex Poatán x Israel adesanya in the middleweight title fight.

Alex Poatán is an ambassador for robot in Brazil and the house offers up to US$100 (more than R$500) in free bets for you to support the Brazilian. Access the website now, check the regulations and take advantage of the promotion!