UFC 287

UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on April 8, 2023, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, United States.

Background

The event marked the promotion's second visit to Miami and first since UFC 42 in April 2003.

A UFC Middleweight Championship rematch between current champion Alex Pereira (also former Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion) and former champion Israel Adesanya headlined the event. The pairing previously met at UFC 281 in which Pereira captured the title by fifth-round knockout. The two also previously met twice in kickboxing matchups: the first in April 2016 at Glory of Heroes 1, which Pereira won by unanimous decision, and their second at Glory of Heroes 7 in March 2017, which Pereira won by third-round knockout.

Nikolas Motta was expected to face Ignacio Bahamondes in a lightweight bout. However, Motta pulled out in late March due to a cut on his head. He was replaced by Trey Ogden at a catchweight of 160 pounds.

A welterweight bout between The Ultimate Fighter: Live lightweight winner Michael Chiesa and Li Jingliang was expected to take place at the event. However, Li withdrew from the bout due to a back injury and the bout was scrapped.

Chris Barnett was expected to face Chase Sherman in a heavyweight bout. However, Barnett pulled out due to undisclosed reasons in early April and was replaced by Karl Williams. In turn, Sherman withdrew the day of the event due to a medical issue and the bout was scrapped.

At the weigh-ins, Christian Rodriguez weighed in at 137 pounds, one pound over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. His bout proceeded at catchweight and he was fined 20% of his purse which went to his opponent Raul Rosas Jr.