Israel Adesanya wants to fight kickboxing rival Alex Pereira in his next UFC fight after labouring to a decision win over Jared Cannonier.
The UFC middleweight champion comfortably took care of No.2-ranked Cannonier in front of a capacity crowd at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena last night to retain his belt. But fans were disappointed with the lack of action between the pair at times, as Adesanya went to the cards for the ninth time in 12 fights.
And he has guaranteed a barn-burner in his next one when he takes on the fast-rising Brazilian star, who earlier in the night got rid of No.4 contender Sean Strickland within a round to earn his spot as a top contender. The pair fought twice in kickboxing, with Pereira famously obliterating Adesanya in their rematch, leaving him needing oxygen after a vicious KO.
