propelled himself into the middleweight rankings at No. 7. More importantly, he has set himself up for a title shot against Adesanya in what would be just his fourth Octagon appearance.
Normally, such a fast track to the top seems foolhardy, but given Pereira’s two past victories against the reigning 185-pound champ in the kickboxing realm, it makes all the sense in the world. To make matters easier, it’s what both parties want.