Much-awaited UFC 281’s main event, Adesanya vs Pereira, had a new twist, as the challenger Alex Pereira was yet to make the weight. The recent development had the fans worried and had the potential to play as the party pooper. The New York Commission had further set a deadline for the Brazilian fighter to make the weight as the grand event scheduled on Nov. 12 draws closer.
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The upcoming fight already attracted a lot of traction among MMA fans. Both fighters share a long history that dates back to their kickboxing days while going to the event.
Weigh-in scare for Alex Pereira
As informed by senior journalist Mike Bohn, the New York Commission had allotted Alex Pereira additional hours for the fighter to make the weight.
Thus, he tweeted, “New York Commission tells me Alex Pereira would get 2 additional hours from the time he steps on the scale *IF* he happens to miss weight. This rule applies for title-fight competitors only.”
New York Commission tells me Alex Pereira would get 2 additional hours from the time he steps on the scale *IF* he happens to miss weight.
This rule applies for title-fight competitors only. https://t.co/HkYxVWqWop
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) November 11, 2022
However, in the end, the challenger made the weight with scales stopping at 184.6 lbs.
Significantly, ‘Poatan’ has a perfect record in UFC and also holds a 2-0 record over the current champion. While the Sao Paulo fighter will rely once again rely on his left hook, the champion has been a formidable force since his UFC debut.
How did the fans react?
This probable weight miss scar had the fans worried. Not only did the fans would have robbed of an epic showdown reaching full throttle, but also the incentive for the champion would have been less.
Watch This Story: 5 times Israel Adesanya obliterated his opponents inside the Octagon
One user referred to the recent UFC trend of missing weights. Thus, they replied, “Bruh again this is like the third main event this year where someone’s gonna miss weight pathetic.”
Bruh again this is like the third main event this year where someone’s gonna miss weight pathetic
— HALISCHEAP (@lgychasefor28) November 11, 2022
He looked huge I’ve been thinking this could happen for the last few weeks
— -Mighty Wolfgang- (@Mighty_Wolfgang) November 11, 2022
Alex is a big dude no wonder he's struggling.
— صہیب (@sohaib_ahmed099) November 11, 2022
Good we need to see this fight
— tae🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@taeoct6) November 11, 2022
One user pointed out that the Pereira might be out of the title fight.
Dude he’s out of it. That one was hard
— FUMONEY (@tombrom72) November 11, 2022
He’s having trouble it seems
— khamzat at 178.5 (@steadye01527357) November 11, 2022
If he misses weight after being a gifted a title shot, he should lose his opportunity.
— ROY SZN (@GregFLEX1) November 11, 2022
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Sounds like he’s going to miss weight lol
— Max Holloway’s Cardio (@blessedcardio) November 11, 2022
Notably, the middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, made the weight, balancing the required scales at exactly 185 lbs. Therefore, ‘The Last Stylebender’ is set to defend his title for the sixth time at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden.
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What do you think of this little nerve-wracking development ahead of UFC 281? Let us know in the comments below.