Israel Adesanya seems to be concerned about the controversy surrounding Islam Makhachev’s alleged IV usage at UFC 284 as he prepares for his upcoming match. The lightweight champion was accused of using an IV to rehydrate after a difficult weight cut. In light of this issue, Adesanya has requested USADA to monitor his opponent Alex Pereira 24/7 after the official weigh-ins for their UFC 287 bout this weekend.
Adesanya’s reference to Makhachev and controversy
Ali Abdelaziz, Makhachev’s co-manager, had previously claimed on Twitter that there is a “legal limit” for the amount of IV a fighter can use to rehydrate, and insinuated that someone from the Dagestani camp used more IV than legally permitted. Adesanya took to Twitter to taunt Makhachev and Abdelaziz, asking about the “legal loophole limit” for IV rehydration. Adesanya’s concern stems from the fact that his opponent, Alex Pereira, is known for cutting a significant amount of weight to make the 185-pound limit.
Adesanya and Pereira at UFC 287
Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira are set to headline UFC 287, with a co-main event featuring Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal. Adesanya is eager to reclaim the title he held for more than three years, while Pereira aims to put an end to his rivalry with Adesanya.
The two fighters have a history in both kickboxing and MMA, with Pereira holding a 3-0 record over Adesanya. Despite having lost three times to Pereira, Adesanya believes he has come close to defeating him and is confident of a victory in their upcoming fight at UFC 287.
In a recent interview with UFC commentator Jon Anik, Adesanya said, “If you watch me when I fight him, every single time I have him. Every single time I have him until I don’t. So I know exactly what to do with this guy.” As the fight approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the final chapter of this epic rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira.
