LAS VEGAS – Alex Pereira isn’t going to let his title clash with Israel Adesanya be anything but exciting.
Adesanya (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) was showered with criticism from fight fans after a relatively uneventful unanimous decision title defense against Jared Cannonier in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 276 at T-Mobile Arena. Regardless, he retained the middleweight belt and set up a showdown with Pereira (6-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who scored a spectacular first-round knockout of Sean Strickland two fights earlier on the main card.
The pair have a well-known history, with Pereira having two wins over Adesanya during their kickboxing careers, one coming by way of knockout.
Pereira was in the cage for Adesanya’s win and said he was disappointed by what he witnessed.
“It didn’t excite me and it didn’t excite the crowd,” Pereira told MMA Junkie and other reporters at the post-fight press conference at UFC 276. “I was very sad to see that. I hope when we fight he puts up a better fight than this one. But I will surely make him fight to give a better show to the audience.”
Pereira said he would be ready to challenge Adesanya as soon as possible and promised it would not be a crazy affair like the one that played out with Cannonier.
“Whenever he’s ready,” Pereira said. “I just finished my fight. I am fine. I can start training tomorrow. I’m going to take two weeks to enjoy my life a little. Whenever he’s ready. I am fine.”
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