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In two weeks, the UFC will host an event headlined by one of the most thrilling rivalries in recent memory. Former middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya will attempt to reclaim his divisional throne against power-punching usurper Alex Pereira. While the two men are the event's main attractions, the card is strong.
One-time welterweight title challenger and Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Gilbert Burns will lock horns with 'BMF' champion Jorge Masvidal in the co-main event. It promises to be an exciting clash with title implications given that reigning 170 lbs champion Leon Edwards recently expressed a desire to face 'Gamebred'.
With all that in mind, this list covers five of the biggest events that might happen come UFC 287. Whether it's one fighter emerging victorious over another or milestones being achieved, this list explores them all.
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#5. Raul Rosas Jr.'s dream of becoming the youngest UFC champion ever continues
Recent UFC signee Raul Rosas Jr. already owns one record given that he is the youngest fighter the promotion has ever signed. More than that, however, 'El Niño Problema' is aiming to become the youngest champion in UFC history. The man who currently owns that record is newly crowned heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones.
Come April 9, the bantamweight prospect will continue his build toward the top of the 135 lbs division. His opponent, Christian Rodriguez, is a fighter with similar experience. With a record of eight wins and just one loss, he will be the stiffest test of the 18-year-old's career thus far.
The pair will lock horns in the opening bout of the main card. If the 18-year-old emerges victorious, he'll find himself in a ranked position sooner rather than later.
#4. Jorge Masvidal muddies the UFC welterweight title picture
If Leon Edwards' dismissal of Colby Covington's status as his next title challenger comes as a surprise, then MMA headlines haven't done a good enough job of communicating the Englishman's desire to face Jorge Masvidal instead. After the events of UFC 286, Dana White made a head-scratching announcement.
Colby Covington, who is on a one-fight win streak over 11nth-ranked Jorge Masvidal due to a win that's over a year old, has been announced as the next welterweight title challenger. 'Rocky' scoffed at the UFC's announcement and proposed a grudge match with 'Gamebred' instead.
It's not every day that the 11th-ranked fighter faces the number-five-ranked fighter in their division. Thus, if the 'BMF' champion defeats Gilbert Burns, whose chin isn't the best, in an emphatic fashion, he might generate enough interest that he will muddy the welterweight title picture.
#3. Colby Covington's title shot is secured
The most prominent story in MMA at the moment is the back-and-forth between Leon Edwards and Dana White regarding Colby Covington's status as the next welterweight title challenger. The Englishman has questioned the logic behind awarding 'Chaos' a title fight due to the American's inactivity.
Any hope that 'Rocky' has of facing his preferred opponent Jorge Masvidal hinges on whether Gilbert Burns wins or loses come UFC 287. Unfortunately, for the Englishman, if 'Durinho' defeats 'Gamebred', then his hopes for a grudge match with the 'BMF' champion will go up in flames.
Not only will Masvidal be sent tumbling further away from the top ten, but Covington's position as the number one contender will be solidified.
#2. Israel Adesanya avenges his loss to Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya has lost three different times to Alex Pereira in his combat sports career. His first two losses took place during his time as a kickboxer, while his third defeat came in the pair's first MMA clash together at UFC 281. Despite losing to the same man thrice, 'The Last Stylebender' never disgraced himself.
He fought well in all three fights. Unfortunately, the first loss saw him on the wrong end of a split decision, while his subsequent losses were during fights in which he was ahead before being suddenly finished via KO and TKO. It's clear from every bout the pair have had that the Nigerian striking specialist can beat 'Poatan'.
Come UFC 287, he will have what is likely to be his final chance at exacting his vengeance against his longtime rival. Given his skill set, it's possible that he will succeed and not only reclaim his title but finally earn a win over his greatest source of frustration.
#1. Alex Pereira brings an end to his rivalry with Israel Adesanya
Former double champion Daniel Cormier once said that there's no rivalry if only one fighter has won fights. While he was referring to his feud with Jon Jones when he made that statement, it also applies to Alex Pereira's rivalry with Israel Adesanya. The Brazilian has defeated him three different times.
While only one of his wins over the Nigerian came in MMA, another win would all but end their rivalry. The UFC will find it extremely difficult to sell the idea of another fight between the pair if there are four losses looming against him looming over Adesanya's kickboxing and MMA careers.
So if 'Poatan' defeats him, especially with a TKO or KO, come UFC 287, he will close this last chapter of his rivalry with 'The Last Stylebender'.
