What's up, fight fans! Get ready to dive deep into the Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 287 full fight! This is the rematch everyone's been buzzing about, the one that settled a historic rivalry. We're talking about two titans of the middleweight division, two guys who have absolutely dominated their opponents to get here. Alex Pereira, or 'Poatan' as he's affectionately known, is the current king, holding that middleweight belt with an iron fist. But Israel Adesanya, 'The Last Stylebender,' is a former champ, a legend in his own right, and he's hungry for revenge. This wasn't just another fight; this was a chapter in UFC history, and we're going to break down every single moment, every strategic move, and every heart-stopping exchange that made this fight an absolute classic. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of Poatan vs. Adesanya 287!

The Road to UFC 287: A Rivalry Reignited

Man, the build-up to Poatan vs. Adesanya 287 full fight was absolutely electric, wasn't it? This wasn't just a title defense for Alex Pereira; it was a chance for Israel Adesanya to reclaim his throne and, more importantly, to exorcise some demons. Remember their previous encounters? Poatan, a former kickboxing rival, had already defeated Adesanya twice in that sport before making the switch to MMA. Then, in their first UFC meeting at UFC 281, it was Poatan who pulled off the stunning come-from-behind TKO victory in the fifth round to snatch the middleweight title. That loss was brutal for Adesanya, especially considering how well he was doing in the fight. So, heading into UFC 287, the narrative was clear: Adesanya needed to prove that the first MMA loss was a fluke, that he was still the dominant force, and that Poatan's reign was a temporary one. The pressure was immense. Adesanya had spent so long at the top, defending his title with a unique blend of striking prowess and cool-headed defense. Seeing him lose it, especially to a man who had his number in the past, was a shockwave through the division. Pereira, on the other hand, was riding a wave of confidence, his power striking proving to be the ultimate equalizer. He had a calm demeanor, but behind those eyes, you knew he was focused on cementing his legacy. The trash talk, the press conferences, the weigh-ins – it all added to the spectacle. You could feel the history between these two guys, the mutual respect mixed with an undeniable competitive fire. This wasn't just about a belt; it was about pride, legacy, and settling a score that had been brewing for years across different combat sports. The stage was set for a fight that promised fireworks, and boy, did it deliver!

Round 1: A Tactical Opening Round

Alright guys, let's talk about the first round of the Poatan vs. Adesanya 287 full fight. This round was all about feeling each other out, a super tactical chess match unfolding inside the octagon. Alex Pereira, true to form, was stalking forward, looking to land those powerful calf kicks that have been such a weapon for him. He was trying to chop down Adesanya's base, slow him down, and set up those devastating left hooks and knees. You could see the intent behind every strike. On the other side, Israel Adesanya was looking incredibly sharp, sticking and moving, using his jab effectively to keep Poatan at bay. He wasn't rushing in; he was patient, waiting for his openings, and dictating the pace with his footwork and angles. Adesanya knew he couldn't afford another slow start against a finisher like Pereira. He was throwing combinations, mixing up his strikes, and looking to land cleaner shots. There were moments where Poatan would try to close the distance and unload, but Adesanya's defense was solid. He was slipping punches, blocking effectively, and circling away. It was a masterclass in controlled striking from Adesanya, showing that he had learned from their previous encounters. While Pereira landed some decent shots, particularly those calf kicks which were visibly bothering Adesanya, it was 'The Last Stylebender' who seemed to be landing the cleaner, more impactful strikes throughout the round. He was controlling the center of the octagon more often than not and landing the sharper punches. It wasn't a round filled with explosive knockdowns or dramatic moments, but it was crucial. It showed Adesanya was sticking to his game plan, fighting smart, and not letting Pereira's power intimidate him into making mistakes. This round set the tone for what was to come, with Adesanya looking confident and in control, while Poatan was looking for that one big opening. It was a close round, but many would argue Adesanya edged it out with his superior volume and accuracy.

Round 2: The Turning Point - Adesanya's Dominance

Now, this is where things really started to shift in the Poatan vs. Adesanya 287 full fight, guys. Round 2 was all about Israel Adesanya asserting his dominance and showing the world he had a plan. After a tactical first round, Adesanya came out in the second with a different gear. He started landing his straight right hand with more frequency and power, finding the sweet spot and hurting Poatan multiple times. You could see Poatan starting to slow down a bit, perhaps feeling the effects of those calf kicks from the first round, but more so, he was being out-struck and out-maneuvered. Adesanya was brilliant. He was mixing up his attacks beautifully, throwing sharp combinations, landing uppercuts, and controlling the distance. He wasn't just throwing punches; he was creating angles, feinting, and making Poatan miss. The key was that Adesanya wasn't staying in the pocket for too long, avoiding the dangerous exchanges where Poatan excels. He was picking his shots, landing clean, and then getting out. The precision was incredible. Poatan, who is usually the one looking for the knockout blow, found himself on the defensive more often than not. He was trying to find his range, trying to land something big, but Adesanya was just too elusive and too sharp. The confidence radiating from Adesanya was palpable. He was fighting with a calmness and a precision that we've come to expect from him, but this time, with an added edge of aggression. He knew he had Poatan hurt and he went for the finish. The crowd was roaring with every clean shot that landed. This round was a masterclass in striking defense and offense. Adesanya proved that he could not only match Poatan on the feet but decisively beat him in a striking exchange. He didn't just win the round; he dominated it, showcasing a level of striking superiority that left many wondering if Poatan could even recover. This was the round where 'The Last Stylebender' truly began to reclaim his narrative and set himself up for the finish.

Round 3: The Knockout Heard 'Round the World

And then, it happened. The moment that etched itself into UFC lore during the Poatan vs. Adesanya 287 full fight. Round 3. Israel Adesanya, after his dominant second round, came out with the same focused intensity. He knew Poatan was dangerous, but he also knew he had him hurt. He continued to land those sharp combinations, mixing up his strikes and keeping Poatan guessing. Poatan was still trying to find that one explosive moment, that signature power shot that could turn the tide, but Adesanya was having none of it. He was defending brilliantly, slipping punches, and countering effectively. Then, the sequence. Adesanya landed a beautiful combination, a flurry of punches that staggered Poatan. And just as Poatan was reeling, looking for a way to defend or recover, Adesanya saw his opening. He uncorked a monstrous right hand, the kind that has ended countless fights. This one connected flush on Poatan's chin. The effect was instantaneous. Poatan's eyes glazed over, and he dropped to the canvas like a ton of bricks. The crowd absolutely erupted. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated knockout power. Adesanya didn't need to follow up; the job was done. The referee waved it off immediately. It was a spectacular finish, a redemption arc complete, and a statement win for Israel Adesanya. He had not only avenged his previous losses but had done so in emphatic, highlight-reel fashion. The celebrations that followed were immense, with Adesanya soaking in the moment, showing respect to Poatan, but undeniably triumphant. This knockout wasn't just a win; it was a declaration that 'The Last Stylebender' was back on top, and he had overcome his biggest rival in the most decisive way possible. It was a truly unforgettable moment in MMA history.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Poatan vs. Adesanya 287 full fight delivered one of the most significant moments in recent middleweight history, and the aftermath cemented its place in MMA lore. Israel Adesanya's stunning knockout victory wasn't just about reclaiming the middleweight title; it was about redemption, resilience, and proving his dominance on the biggest stage. After suffering two tough losses to Alex Pereira, including the devastating fifth-round TKO at UFC 281, Adesanya was under immense pressure. Many questioned if he could overcome his demons and defeat a fighter who had a clear mental and physical edge over him in their previous encounters. However, 'The Last Stylebender' showcased incredible growth and strategic brilliance at UFC 287. He employed a patient, tactical approach in the early rounds, weathering Poatan's signature power and calf kicks, before unleashing his own offense with surgical precision. The third-round knockout was a testament to his striking skill, power, and ability to capitalize on an opportunity when it presented itself. It was a defining moment for Adesanya, arguably the most significant win of his career, as it proved he could not only hang with the most dangerous strikers in the division but decisively defeat them, even those who had previously had his number. For Alex Pereira, the loss was a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of MMA. Despite his kickboxing pedigree and championship status, he couldn't find an answer for Adesanya's refined MMA striking and tactical adjustments. The defeat ended his impressive championship reign and brought him back to the drawing board. However, Poatan's journey in the UFC is far from over. His power and dangerous striking will always make him a threat, and he'll undoubtedly look to regroup and come back stronger. The rivalry between Poatan and Adesanya is now one for the history books, a compelling narrative of two elite fighters who pushed each other to their limits across different combat sports. UFC 287 provided a definitive, spectacular conclusion to this chapter, leaving fans eager to see what comes next for both of these incredible athletes. This fight will be replayed and discussed for years to come, a benchmark for thrilling rivalries and epic finishes in the Octagon.