The highly anticipated UFC 287 event in Miami ended with a stunning knockout as Israel Adesanya claimed victory over Alex Pereira, but fortunately for most fighters on the card, medical suspensions were minimal.
Pereira, who was knocked out cold in the main event, received a brief 60-day medical suspension, allowing him to make a swift recovery, according to MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin.
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Adesanya Escapes Medical Suspension, Alex Pereira Sets His Sights on Light Heavyweight Division: UFC 287 Medical Suspensions Revealed
Adesanya, on the other hand, escaped without any medical suspension, leaving him free to continue his winning streak. Other fighters on the card, such as Adrian Yanez, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, also received 60-day suspensions, but the details of their injuries were not disclosed to the public.
Unlike previous UFC events that have seen longer suspensions, none of the competitors at UFC 287 were sidelined for more than 60 days, indicating that most of them will be able to return to action relatively quickly. Kelvin Gastelum and Chris Curtis received 45-day suspensions, while Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Gerald Meerschaert, and Lupita Godinez were handed 30-day suspensions. Cynthia Calvillo also received a 30-day suspension.
UFC 287 medical suspensions: Alex Pereira avoids long layoff after ugly knockout loss https://t.co/CvZrF0uAri pic.twitter.com/OCGPBoOnVx
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 14, 2023
Pereira, despite his knockout loss, remains positive and determined to continue his career in the UFC. The former middleweight champion made the announcement on YouTube, eliminating any worries about his ability to compete at middleweight. Pereira remarked in his native Portuguese, “Many people questioned [my weight cut], but I always went there and fulfilled my obligation, but now is a great moment to move up a division.”
Seizing the Spotlight: Alex Pereira’s Daring Move to Light Heavyweight and the Fierce Battles Ahead
Pereira also responded to current light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, who welcomed him to the division on Instagram. Pereira commented, “I am coming and will kick your door in,” indicating his eagerness to make an impact in his new weight class.
Fans are excited to know who Pereira’s first opponent will be when he moves up to light heavyweight. With fighters like Hill, Jan Błachowicz, and Volkan Oezdemir expressing interest in competing against him, Pereira’s future in the UFC is sure to be filled with excitement and anticipation.
Despite his latest absolute drubbing, Pereira remains ever so a strong force in the world of combat sports, and fans can most certainly look forward to many more exciting fights from him in the future.
