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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Segura and Abbey Subhan

Robert Whittaker can’t see Israel Adesanya wrestling Alex Pereira, expects ‘kickboxing fight with small gloves’

PARIS – Robert Whittaker expects a pure standup battle in the upcoming UFC middleweight title fight.

The former champion is confident Israel Adesanya’s title defense against kickboxing rival Alex Pereira will play out as advertised.

Adesanya, who attempts to defend his belt a sixth time, takes on Pereira in the main event of UFC 281 on Nov. 12 in New York City. It’s a trilogy fight in combat sports, but the first time they meet in MMA. The two previously fought in kickboxing, with Pereira getting his hand raised both times – one by KO, and the other by decision.

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