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Alex Pereira has reassured fans following his scary knockout on Saturday night.
Alex Pereira: ‘I just have to rest and continue with the plans’
The former UFC Middleweight Champion issued a statement via Twitter on Sunday afternoon, keeping a positive attitude after losing his belt to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287.
Along with his statement, Pereira posted a video of him and Adesanya speaking backstage after their fight. The two shook hands in the clip, and Adesanya said he wants to come to Brazil and train with Pereira in the future.
“I’m just here to let u know that I’m fine!” said Pereira via Twitter. “I want to thank my family, my team and all the people who are supporting me during my journey. Now I just have to rest and continue with the plans that are already on motion. Thanks god.”
Is the Adesanya vs. Pereira rivalry over?
It is too soon to know what is next for Pereira. Judging by his latest statement, Pereira is clearly focused on recovering before looking to his next appearance in the octagon.
Saturday marked the first time that Adesanya beat Pereira in combat sports. Their previous MMA bout and two kickboxing contests all saw Pereira as the victor.
While the score between the two certainly doesn’t favor Adesanya, the champ believes their rivalry has come to a close. He said on Saturday night that his rivalry with Pereira is “settled.”
Alex Pereira’s quick rise to the top
Pereira has maintained a good attitude after suffering his first-ever UFC loss. “Poatan” had a short title reign, taking the belt off Adesanya in November of last year and not being able to defend it before dropping it last Saturday night.
The 35-year-old had an impressive run up the UFC rankings, scoring four consecutive wins in just over a year’s time. This included his fifth-round stoppage of Adesanya at UFC 281, which made him champion.
Pereira had an extensive career in kickboxing prior to his full-time transition to MMA.
The run from debut to champion for Pereira didn’t take long. Just 17 months after his first UFC bout, Pereira has already headlined two pay-per-views. If the former titleholder wants to take some time off after this appearance, who can blame him?
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