Nigerian kickboxing champion, Israel “Style-Bender” Adesanya, on Sunday morning, reclaimed his middleweight title from long-time bitter rival, Brazilian Alex Pereira with a spectacular knockout at UFC 287 held in Miami, Florida.
Adesanya, who was desperate to get back the title from his perennial nemesis, stunned Pereira in round two of the rematch when he unleased two crushing right hands to send Pereira to the canvas.
With the win, Adesanya has become a two-time middleweight champion and in the process, inflicting the first-ever defeat of Pereira’s five-fight UFC career.
The “Style-Bender” 33, was also able to avenge three previous defeats in the hands of 35-year-old Pereira after losing twice in 2016 and 2017, and at UFC 281 in November.
The opening stages of the fight saw both fighters throwing numerous feints and leg kicks, with Adesanya circling away from Pereira’s dangerous left hook while trying to keep the Brazilian going backwards.
The second round was where the fight sprung to life as Pereira applied pressure and, echoing scenes from their bout in November, attacked Adesanya against the cage.
Speaking shortly after regaining his title, Adesanya, who incidentally fights under the New Zealand flag, said:
“I hope every one of you can feel this level of happiness for one time in your life.
“But guess what— you’ll never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something in your life. When they knock you down, if you stay down you will never get that resolve.
“Fortify your mind and feel this level of happiness. I’m blessed to feel this again and again and again.
“I told you the hunter is now the hunted. Thank you for beating me because beating me made me a better fighter, a better person”.