Top-10 UFC middleweight predicts Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya rematch

Israel Adesanya is set to face Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in a rematch of their UFC 281 bout in which the latter claimed the middleweight title. Dricus du Plessis recently shared why he believes 'The Last Stylebender' will be able to reclaim the middleweight throne.

Speaking to The Schmo on his YouTube channel, the No.10-ranked middleweight stated:

"I honestly see Adesanya getting that title back. Pereira, I think he's done what he needs to do. I don't know if he has that hunger in him. He came to another sport, improved himself, became a champion."

Dricus du Plessis elaborated on why he believes Israel Adesanya will reclaim the middleweight title, stating:

"I just think Adesanya's mindset is to beat this guy that's been taking food off his table for so long and I think that's going to be a different animal and maybe we see the old Adesanya back coming there throwing, not playing it safe, and that's going to make a big difference. I honestly believe I'm facing Adesanya for that belt."

Adesanya was ahead three rounds to one in their UFC 281 clash before Alex Pereira was able to pick up a fifth-round TKO finish. 'Poatan' now holds three victories over the former middleweight champion, two of which came in kickboxing.

Watch Dricus du Plessis discuss Israel Adesanya versus Alex Pereira 2 below (starting at the 4:00 mark):

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Israel Adesanya shares his motivation ahead of UFC 287

While Israel Adesanya appears to have plenty of motivating factors ahead of UFC 287, the No.1-ranked middleweight recently revealed that there is only one thing that matters to him in his rematch with Alex Pereira. Speaking to the media prior to UFC 284, the former middleweight champion stated:

"I've never not been motivated to fight this guy, but for this one, I've put the pressure on myself. F**k the belt, f**k everything else, I have to beat this guy. That's, I guess, my motivation - just beating him. Like I said, they can say whatever they want. It's 1-0 or 3-0. I don't keep score, I settle them and I just need one and I'm going to get it done."

While all three bouts between Adesanya and Pereira have been extremely closely contested, the latter has managed to emerge victorious each time. Despite his three losses, 'The Last Stylebender' remains the betting favorite ahead of UFC 287.

Watch Israel Adesanya discuss his motivation leading up to UFC 287 below (starting at the 1:45 mark):