UFC 287 takes place this weekend in Miami as Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya attempts to reclaim his title against lifelong rival and current middleweight champion Alex Pereira.

In the lead-up to the main event, MMA fans can appreciate a high-level welterweight co-main event between former title challenger Gilbert Burns and the people’s fighter, Jorge Masvidal.

Main Event

Alex Pereira 6/5 | Israel Adesanya 4/6 

Alex Pereira’s and Israel Adesanya’s stories intertwine like crazy. From meeting on two separate occasions in the world of kickboxing, to their paths crossing at UFC 281 in the realm of mixed martial arts last November.

Out of three previous encounters, the Brazilian Pereira has found success over Adesanya via split decision, knockout, and technical knockout. Now, for a second time in the UFC they write another chapter to their ever-growing history.

Alex Pereira (7-1) is still wet behind the ears in the world of MMA, but his deep roots in the fight-game have moulded him into a champion that is substantially different from the conventional.

The 35-year-old undisputed middleweight champion is at the peak of his powers as he attempts to defend the belt for the first time. Using his 194cm height and 203cm reach has helped him dominate his first three UFC opponents, but in the first UFC fight with Adesanya he struggled to get a grip until the dying moments where the infamous left hook viciously connected.

It’s been four straight victories in the UFC, and seven professional MMA wins overall for the student of former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira.

For Israel Adesanya (23-2) the positive elements from their November encounter at Madison Square Garden are likely dampened because of the result.

As Adesanya matures, now aged 33, the fear of the big marauding Brazilian being the “final boss” of his career could pose a major mental block.

However, one thing about the Nigerian-born New Zealander is the fact that he has fought the biggest and toughest fights throughout his career and with relative ease – albeit his current adversary.

Verdict: Israel Adesanya Win 4/6

For the champion Pereira, there must be a sense of satisfaction in achieving the goal of becoming a mixed martial arts champion following an outstanding kickboxing career.

Stylistically, this will be a back-and-forth game between the more powerful, marauding Pereira and the cunning, counter-striking style of Adesanya, who showed in each of their last three meeting as well as his ability to sprinkle some grappling into the exchanges to mix things up if needed.

Co-Main Event

Gilbert Burns 21/100 | Jorge Masvidal 10/3

Gilbert Burns travels to Miami to face off with Jorge Masvidal in his own backyard in the welterweight co-main event. The home crowd will roar the name of Masvidal who is in the twilight of his career. He stated that should he win, he will push on one last time for the title, and should he suffer defeat the time to hang up his gloves will arrive.

Gilbert Burns (21-5) has gone 2-1 since tasting defeat at the hands of former champions Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title, besting Stephen Thompson prior to his epic clash with Khamzat Chimaev and then rebounding with a dominant submission victory over Neil Magny last time out.

The 36-year-old may just have one final run at the title should he find victory.

Jorge Masvidal (35-16) is on a major slump, as “Gamebred” followed his tandem title setbacks against Usman with a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Colby Covington in the UFC 272 main event last March.

After 51 professional fights experience and composure shines in every evade and counter strike that “Gamebred” attempts, but a massive question mark over the durability and sharpness looms over his 38 years of age.

Verdict: Jorge Masvidal Win 10/3

With Leon Edwards now champion of the welterweight division, this matchup carries legitimate championship stakes, as Burns can make a case for title contention and Masvidal has history with the champ.

While Masvidal would love to keep this fight on the feet, he must be wary of the jiujitsu capabilities of Burns. The Brazilian’s thunderous power must be avoided at all costs.

Full Card Predictions

Main Card: 03:00 BST, Sunday 9 April

• Middleweight (C) Alex Pereira (6/5) vs Israel Adesanya (4/6): Adesanya
• Welterweight Gilbert Burns (21/100) vs Jorge Masvidal (10/3): Masvidal
• Bantamweight Rob Font (29/20) vs Adrian Yanez (8/15): Yanez
• Welterweight Kevin Holland (42/100) vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (9/5): Ponzinibbio
• Bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr (2/5) vs Christian Rodriguez (19/10): Rosas Jr

Prelims: 01:00 BST, Sunday 9 April

• Middleweight Kelvin Gastelum (7/10) vs Chris Curtis (23/20): Curtis
• Strawweight Michelle Waterson-Gomez (13/10) vs Luana Pinheiro (3/5): Pinheiro
• Middleweight Gerald Meerschaert (8/5) vs Joe Pyfer (1/2): Meerschaert

Early Prelims: 00:00 CAT, Sunday 9 April

• Strawweight Cynthia Calvillo (85/40) vs Lupita Godinez (4/11): Godinez
• Catchweight (160 lb) Ignacio Bahamondes (26/100) vs Trey Ogden (29/10): Bahamondes
• Featherweight Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (8/15) vs Steve Garcia (6/4): Nuerdanbieke
• Strawweight Jaqueline Amorim (4/11) vs Sam Hughes (21/10): Amorim