Undisputed UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya knows that Alex Pereira will pose a very different challenge to the one offered by Jared Cannonier in his last title defence at UFC 276, and he's looking forward to meeting that challenge head on.
Dana White awarded contracts to all five winners at Tuesday's Contender Series event after a night packed with thrilling action, and the UFC boss was still buzzing when he met with reporters backstage at the UFC Apex after the show.
UFC 277 delivered another night of spectacular action as the stars of the octagon entertained the fans in Dallas, Texas, then sounded off on the mic as they reacted to their handiwork inside the cage.
Champ Alexander Volkanovski touches down to support his team. The stars of UFC 277 make weight in the morning and face off for fans that afternoon in Dallas, as the scene is set for two title rematches: Pena vs Nunes and Moreno vs Kara-France.
Champion Julianna Pena embraces the spotlight. Brandon Moreno admires his mini-me. Alex Perez takes inspiration from a teammate. Derrick Lewis stays positive. Athletes talk 277 and face off at the press conference.
Anthony Smith celebrates his birthday. Amanda Nunes sets her body clock; champ Julianna Peña takes training personally. Kai Kara-France and Brandon Moreno eye the flyweight belt. Derrick Lewis finds the fun in fighting.
Julianna Pena is ready to turn back the challenge of Amanda Nunes and cement her status as the premier 135-pound female fighter in the UFC.
Amanda Nunes brings a renewed hunger. Kai Kara-France cruises through fight week and reaches a UFC milestone. Champion Julianna Peña flies with her family. Brandon Moreno leaves Las Vegas.
Tuesday nights are fight nights once again, thanks to the return of Dana White's Contender Series, and the fighters set to compete in future weeks of the Series have a tough job on their hands to impress the UFC president.
The co-main event of UFC 277 features a battle for the vacant interim flyweight title, with two rival 125-pounders set to face off for a second time with the added incentive of a championship belt on the line.