The dust of UFC 287 has yet to settle. The main event between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira took the UFC community to the edge of their seats. After three losses against ‘Poatan’, including two in kickboxing matches, Adesanya finally achieved a spectacular knockout victory against the Brazilian fighter. Adesanya’s great victory indeed called for celebration for his dear ones. However, Pereira’s loved ones and fans had to go through the most unexpected loss.
Millions around the world viewed the grief of his son through the viral video. Things went worse when Adesanya mocked the kid, who was crying while watching his father on the canvas. Soon after Pereira lost his ground, it was clear that Adesanya had won the bout. Immediately, he mimed aiming three arrows at Pereira and fired three of the arrows at him while Poatan was still lying on the floor from the knockout. His next move was to mock Pereira’s son.
The actions of Israel Adesanya
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After miming pulling arrows at Pereira, Adesanya began to search for Pereira’s son from the crowd. When he spotted the little boy crying after his father’s loss, the Nigerian fighter felt no mercy for the boy. He theatrically dropped to the floor and acted like he was dead. Later, when asked about his actions at the press conference, ‘The Last Stylebender’ revealed the back story.
When Adesanya faced his second defeat against Pereira at Glory of Heroes 7, his son came to Adesanya and acted in an exactly similar way. As a reply to the questions from the reporters, Adesanya said, “I’m petty. I remember.” The 33-year-old finally had his revenge on both father and son after becoming the middleweight champion once again.
One of the fans reminded him that his acts were just “pathetic.”
This is pathetic. You’re beefing with a kid. Jesus
— Lucas (@lcsandrade) April 10, 2023
Another fan didn’t get why Adesanya was still holding grudges against the kid.
We’re still going at the kid?
— Steven Williams (@StevenStrangles) April 10, 2023
One of the Twitter users asked The Last Stylebender to relax instead of going behind Pereira’s son.
I am a massive fan mate, but I think it's time to give it a rest. You won and I don't think the two of you will fight ever again.
— Counter Jab (@dbolvitor) April 10, 2023
One fan asked Adesanya to “grow up.”
When the video of Adesanya mocking Pereira’s son went viral, the internet was split into two factions. Some were supporting Pereira, while the rest are lashing out at the Nigerian fighter for holding grudges against a kid.
Grow up and don’t mock a kid.
— martin (@MartinMMAFan) April 10, 2023
There were some fans who felt that the kid deserved that kind of treatment and was in support of Adesanya.
Izzy taught the kid some vital life lessons. He will learn. I’m sure he will after his daddy got knocked out 😂🤨 pic.twitter.com/zT1ZJI20uH
— ✨👑 DaddyMO👑✨🏁 (@therealdaddymo1) April 10, 2023
Another fan called it the “best knockout taunt.”
This is probably the best post knockout taunt that’s ever happened and it’s sad that probably 3/4 of people watching didn’t understand it lol
— Alex Hagen ❌❌ (@AlexHagen10) April 10, 2023
Another fan was shocked at how Izzy took revenge on a 12-year-old kid!
33 year old man mocking a 12 year old!
— astra (@noscgender) April 10, 2023
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Thus, fans had a lot of contrasting opinions.
Chance for a trilogy match?
In the post-fight press conference, the UFC President, Dana White, ruled out the possibility of a trilogy match between the two. He sees more chances of Pereira moving up, while Izzy would continue to fight as a champion in the middleweight division.
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Furthermore, White praised Izzy for showcasing a mentality similar to that of UFC superstar Conor McGregor. White said that Adesanya is ready to fight anytime, anywhere, even if he is the champion. However, the fans need to wait longer to find out if the two will ever fight again.
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