Israel Adesanya Becomes Two-Time UFC Middleweight Champion with Knockout Win Over Alex Pereira

In a highly anticipated rematch, Israel Adesanya reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship with a spectacular knockout win over Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Adesanya, who had lost the title to Pereira last year, made a statement with a series of brutal right-hand punches that knocked Pereira out at 4 minutes and 21 seconds of the second round.

Israel Adesanya’s Victory Over Alex Pereira

With this win, Adesanya becomes the first two-time middleweight champion in UFC history and only the fourth fighter to regain their title in an immediate rematch. The Nigerian-born New Zealand resident had previously defended his title five times before losing to Pereira. He had never lost at 185 pounds prior to that, with his only MMA defeat coming in a UFC light heavyweight title fight in 2021 against Jan Blachowicz.

The Fight

Alex Pereira started the fight well, landing some good combinations and keeping Adesanya against the cage. However, Adesanya was playing possum and countered with a massive right-hand punch that hurt Pereira, followed up by another right and a left hook that put Pereira down.

Israel Adesanya sealed the deal with a hammerfist punch as referee Dan Miragliotta pulled him away and stopped the fight. Pereira was unconscious on the canvas, and Adesanya stood over him, making a motion like he was pulling back on a bow and arrow, the same taunt Pereira uses.

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Israel Adesanya’s Post-Fight Comments

After the fight, Adesanya expressed his happiness and thanked the fans for their support. “I hope every one of you behind the screen, in this arena, can feel this level of happiness just one time in your life,” Adesanya said in his post-fight interview. “I hope all of you can feel how f—ing happy I am right now. … But you never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something.”

Adesanya also paid tribute to his opponent, saying, “No matter what, Alex is a great champion. He lost the belt tonight, but he will always be a champion. In his story, I’m the antagonist. In his story, I’m the bad guy. But tonight, it’s my story. History.”

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Adesanya’s victory over Pereira was a remarkable achievement that cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. With his unique fighting style and determination, Adesanya has won the hearts of fans worldwide and will continue to inspire future generations of fighters. As for Pereira, he will undoubtedly look to bounce back from this loss and prove himself as a top fighter in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

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