Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira II, Jorge Masvidal’s return set for UFC 287
A rematch for the UFC middleweight title will take place at this April’s UFC 287 as champion Alex Pereira defends against rival Israel Adesanya — a show that will also feature a co-main event with Jorge Masvidal.
Adesanya and Pereira first fought in the Octagon last November with Pereira defeating him via fifth round TKO to both win the title and end Adesanya’s UFC unbeaten streak at middleweight. The two had previously fought twice in kickboxing with Pereira picking up both wins as well.
This will be the first fight for both men since November.
The co-main event will see the return of fan favorite Jorge Masvidal as he takes on top welterweight contender Gilbert Burns.
This will be Masvidal’s first fight since his March 2022 loss to Colby Covington and subsequent alleged assault on Covington the same month outside a Miami restaurant.
Masvidal has lost three straight while Burns is coming off a first round submission win earlier this month over Neil Magny. He’s 2-2 in his last four after six straight UFC wins.
UFC 287 takes place on Saturday, April 8th.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.