Recalling His Celebration Against Alex Pereira, Israel Adesanya Discloses Referee’s Special Measure That Made It Possible: “He Was So Polite”

On April 8, UFC 287 witnessed Israel Adesanya turn the tide on his seven-year-long rivalry with Alex Pereira, finally putting him down and reclaiming the UFC middleweight title. The MMA community was quick to shower him with high praise, and deservedly so. Adesanya was on a hat-trick of losses on the record against the Brazilian. But in the rematch, the 33-year-old took out Pereira in the second round via a spectacular knockout.

The New Zealander’s performance was impressive, but his celebration over the victory garnered just as much attention. As remarkable as the celebration was, it came through with permission granted from the referee, who allowed the New Zealander to do so on his special request.

Recently, Adesanya revealed what he went through in order to get the celebration sanctioned and what it meant for him.

The referee graciously lets Israel Adesanya do his bit at UFC 287

After knocking out Alex Pereira, Israel Adesanya didn’t hold back in celebrating his victory. He displayed a bow and arrow gesture towards the Brazilian, signifying his ‘Hunter becomes the hunted’ saying. The reigning UFC middleweight champion recently revealed on an episode of FREESTYLEBENDER that he had to get permission from referee Dan Miragliotta to perform the gesture.

Recalling the moment, Adesanya said, “Every referee comes and tells you the rules but he didn’t have to tell me- [The referee said] ‘You know the rules?’, I’m like, ‘I’m very clear of the rules. But can I ask one thing?… If I lay him out, can you please let me have my moment? I’ve been waiting seven years for this. So please just let me have my moment if I lay him out. I’m not gonna touch him. I’m not gonna try and attack him. But I need you to, just like, let me have my moment.'”

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“And all he said is, *displays a thumbs-up* ‘You got it, Boss.’ That’s all he said. He was so polite about it. And I’m glad he did, because, some of the refs might- they’ll make it about them, ‘That’s enough, that’s enough.’ No matter what you do. I’m not touching the guy.”

However, Adesanya went a bit overboard during the celebration when he mocked Pereira’s son, which brought him some backlash. But all in all, ‘The Last Stylebender’ had his moment at last and truly cherished it.

What are your thoughts on Israel Adesanya’s celebration? Let us know in the comments below.

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