Israel Adesanya has finally conquered his biggest demon at UFC 287. ‘The Last Stylebender’ won his belt and finally managed to score one back against Alex Pereira. The middleweight titans went to war for a fourth time in their careers at the packed Miami-Dade Center in Miami. It only took Adesanya two rounds to regain the title he lost in the final minutes of UFC 281.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was all on the line for Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. He had already lost three times to ‘Poatan’ before. Until his arrival, Adesanya had been nearly invincible in the 185 lbs division. So the question leading into UFC 287 was if Pereira would forever be Adesanya’s kryptonite.
Meanwhile, Alex Pereira had the pressure of his very first title defense against a skilled opponent who almost finished him at UFC 281. The 35-year-old had to stay focused and not let his record against ‘Izzy’ make him underestimate him. Furthermore, the Brazilian could legitimize his reign by beating an all-time great middleweight for the fourth time in his career.
Fans react to Pereira vs. Adesanya at UFC 287
The battle for the middleweight throne at UFC 287 went exactly as promised. After seven years into the rivalry, Adesanya has finally managed to get one back against Pereira. To make it even sweeter, the new champion convincingly put Pereira to sleep inside a packed arena in Miami.
The fight started off as a high-level kickboxing match, as many expected. After a nearly even first round, it looked like Pereira had ‘Izzy’ hurt in the second. When he went in for the kill, Adesanya managed to counter with a lethal strike that put him out. The 33-year-old followed ‘Poatan’ to the ground as he landed a few ‘super necessary’ hammer fists in Jorge Masvidal‘s backyard.
Fans on Twitter had ecstatic reactions to that monumental knockout victory.
He did it!! Israel Adesanya finally did it!!! BRUTAL KO. He gets his title back. Wow. Wow wow wow. That was something else. #UFC287
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) April 9, 2023
Congratulations @stylebender see you soon 🫡
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) April 9, 2023
Wow…7 year rivalry…the 4th time standing in front of another man you are fighting…to finally get a win. #ufc287
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) April 9, 2023
@stylebender went full Jet Li and unleashed vengeance on Pereira!
What a knock out! #UFC287— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) April 9, 2023
@stylebender
Masterpiece ⚡️🙏⚡️— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) April 9, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WOW!!! The champ with a statement. @stylebender you da man 👊🏾😮 pic.twitter.com/EyJJyBA8cI
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) April 9, 2023
Adesanya is 1-1 with Pereira in the UFC and 1-3 against him in the rivalry. Only time will tell if they will step into the octagon for a rubber match.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More– UFC 287: Jorge Masvidal Tells Joe Rogan He Has Retired With Special Donald Trump Message
What did you guys think of Pereira vs. Adesanya 2? Did it live up to your expectations? What do you think is next for these fighters? Let us know in the comments below.