Israel Adesanya will look to regain the UFC Middleweight title from Alex Pereira this weekend as the former challengers face off in the main event of UFC 287.
During their kickboxing career, Pereira defeated Adesanya in their first fight before knocking out the Nigerian New Zealander in their rematch. The Brazilian then repeated his last result in November, landing a technical knockout on Adesanya in their first MMA meeting.
With the victory in the final round, Pereira took the UFC middleweight title from “Last Stylebender,” who was leading the fight after stopping “Poatan” nearly at the end of the first round. Now, Adesanya has one last chance to defeat Pereira.
Ahead of that bout, fan favorite Jorge Masvidal will fight in front of a home crowd in Miami, taking on Gilbert Burns, also a former contender for the welterweight title.
Here’s everything you need to know.
when is it?
UFC 287 takes place on Saturday, April 8 at the Miami-Dade Arena in Miami.
Introductory presentations will begin at 11:00 p.m. GMT (3:00 p.m. PT, 5:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. ET), with regular presentations at 1:30 a.m. BST on Sunday. April 9 (5:30 p.m. PT, 7:30 p.m. PT, 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday).
The main card is scheduled for Sunday at 3 a.m. BST (7 p.m. PT, 9 p.m. ET, 10 p.m. ET Saturday).
How can I watch?
The card will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also broadcasting the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will broadcast the event live, as will the fight card from the UFC.
opportunities
Adesanya – 8/11; Pear tree – 11/10
Masvidal – 7/2; Burns – 1/5
full card (subject to change)
Fan favorite Jorge Masvidal lost to rival Colby Covington last time
(Getty Images)
key card
Alex Pereira (C) vs Israel Adesanya 2 (Middleweight Title)
Gilbert Burns – Jorge Masvidal (welterweight)
Rob Font vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamoyte)
Kevin Holland – Santiago Ponzenepo (welterweight)
Raul Rosas Jr. – Cristian Rodriguez (BW)
preliminary
Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum (welterweight)
Michael Chiesa – Li Jingliang (Lightweight)
Michelle Watterson Gomez vs. Luana Pinheiro (Women’s Strawweight)
Carl Williams vs Chase Sherman (Heavyweight)
preliminary
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Joe Peiffer (middleweight)
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Lupe Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Ignacio Bahmonds – Trey Ogden (Lightweight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs Steve Garcia (Featherweight)
Jacqueline Amorim vs Sam Hughes (Women’s Strawweight)
Israel Adesanya will look to regain the UFC Middleweight title from Alex Pereira this weekend as the former challengers face off in the main event of UFC 287.
During their kickboxing career, Pereira defeated Adesanya in their first fight before knocking out the Nigerian New Zealander in their rematch. The Brazilian then repeated his last result in November, landing a technical knockout on Adesanya in their first MMA meeting.
With the victory in the final round, Pereira took the UFC middleweight title from “Last Stylebender,” who was leading the fight after stopping “Poatan” nearly at the end of the first round. Now, Adesanya has one last chance to defeat Pereira.
Ahead of that bout, fan favorite Jorge Masvidal will fight in front of a home crowd in Miami, taking on Gilbert Burns, also a former contender for the welterweight title.
Here’s everything you need to know.
when is it?
UFC 287 takes place on Saturday, April 8 at the Miami-Dade Arena in Miami.
Introductory presentations will begin at 11:00 p.m. GMT (3:00 p.m. PT, 5:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. ET), with regular presentations at 1:30 a.m. BST on Sunday. April 9 (5:30 p.m. PT, 7:30 p.m. PT, 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday).
The main card is scheduled for Sunday at 3 a.m. BST (7 p.m. PT, 9 p.m. ET, 10 p.m. ET Saturday).
How can I watch?
The card will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also broadcasting the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will broadcast the event live, as will the fight card from the UFC.
opportunities
Adesanya – 8/11; Pear tree – 11/10
Masvidal – 7/2; Burns – 1/5
full card (subject to change)
Fan favorite Jorge Masvidal lost to rival Colby Covington last time
(Getty Images)
key card
Alex Pereira (C) vs Israel Adesanya 2 (Middleweight Title)
Gilbert Burns – Jorge Masvidal (welterweight)
Rob Font vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamoyte)
Kevin Holland – Santiago Ponzenepo (welterweight)
Raul Rosas Jr. – Cristian Rodriguez (BW)
preliminary
Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum (welterweight)
Michael Chiesa – Li Jingliang (Lightweight)
Michelle Watterson Gomez vs. Luana Pinheiro (Women’s Strawweight)
Carl Williams vs Chase Sherman (Heavyweight)
preliminary
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Joe Peiffer (middleweight)
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Lupe Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Ignacio Bahmonds – Trey Ogden (Lightweight)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs Steve Garcia (Featherweight)
Jacqueline Amorim vs Sam Hughes (Women’s Strawweight)
Amelia Kensington is a contributor to Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, presenting complex topics in an accessible and engaging way while maintaining a strong commitment to accuracy and relevance.