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

Alex Pereira is in good spirits after suffering the first knockout loss of his MMA career against Israel Adesanya in the UFC 287 headliner.

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):

Im just here to let u know that I’m fine ! I want to thank my family, my team and all the people who are supporting me during my journey.
Now I just have to rest and continue with the plans that are already on motion. Thanks god 🙏

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.