“This Is Our Generation’s Version of Lidell vs Franklin”: Silencing Trilogy Talks, Fans Welcome “Master Troll” Alex Pereira to LHW Division as He Gears up to Face Israel Adesanya’s Former Opponent at UFC 291

Alex Pereira‘s glorious win streak against Israel Adesanya came to an end with Adesanya knocking out the Brazilian kickboxing menace and winning the Middleweight title at UFC 287. Now, Pereira has made the ballsy decision to climb a weight division and finds himself faced with former Light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz.

Still reeling from his first loss of four bouts against Adesanya, the Brazilian is looking to make a statement. Instead of chasing a UFC trilogy with Adesanya, Alex is tussling with a big fish in a bigger weight class. However, this is going to be a tough challenge for the fighter as Blachowicz has dominated Israel Adesanya in their encounter at UFC 259. The fight between Alex Pereira and Jan Blachowicz is scheduled for July 29, in Salt Lake City.

Twitter Ablaze – Fans React to Alex Pereira Fighting Jan Blachowicz

Fans of both fighters have come forward and made their opinions known. MMA Junkie tweeted about the official match and about Pereira ‘movin’ up’  to Light Heavyweight and the internet exploded.

A fan rooting for the Brazilian to triumph commented, “Pereira is a master troll. I really hope he beats the guy Adesanya lost to.” Another commented, “Good fight for Alex. Jan is not a grappler. He’s 40 but still highly ranked in LHW division.” Some lovers of the sport made unbiased comments like, “Interesting to see whose left hook connects first.”, “This is our generation’s version of Lidell vs Franklin.” and more. 

Supporters of the Polish BJJ artist strongly opposed the idea of a possible win for Pereira. Comments like “Polish wrestling will be the difference here.”, “Jan is sleeping him”, “Jan is to smart to just try to strike alex he will mix things up with his wrestling. it should be a win for the polish power.” and “Bad matchup for Alex” were flooding the thread. 

Alex vs. Adesanya – The Incomplete Trilogy

Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya have locked horns four times now (twice in MMA and twice in UFC). The Brazilian kickboxer has prevailed in three of these encounters (one being in UFC). However, at UFC 287, Adesanya tasted revenge. A win by TKO stifled Pereira’s dreams of a 2-win streak. Now, with him climbing the weight division, it is clear that he has decided to forgo his attempt to redeem himself by completing the Pereira vs. Adesanya Trilogy.

Read More – “UFC Is Not Kickboxing”: Alex Pereira Gets a Reality Check From an Olympic Medalist Following His Loss Against Israel Adesanya

While some think that Pereira might have bitten off more than he could chew, others believe in the massive potential of the fighter. Whether this fight tips in favor of the Brazilian or the Polish is something we have to wait till July 29 to find out.

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