Ex-Champ Alex Pereira issues statement after UFC 287 loss to Israel Adesanya

Pereira (7-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) saw his middleweight title reign come to an abrupt end Saturday just five months after it began when he was floored by Adesanya (24-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) in devastating fashion in the second round of their main event rematch at Kaseya Center in Miami.

The Brazilian came into the event with three wins over Adesanya between kickboxing and MMA, but his run of success was halted when he was put out cold. Instead of sulking, though, Pereira shared a positive outlook and hinted that his future remains bright (via Twitter):

Pereira did not comment on what his next move will look like after UFC 287. He is 1-1 with Adesanya in MMA competition, but Adesanya dismissed the possibility of an immediate trilogy bout. Moreover, UFC president Dana White said post-fight that he expects “Poatan” to move up to light heavyweight going forward.