Israel Adesanya Reclaims UFC Middleweight Belt With Stunning Knockout Victory Over Alex Pereira

• Israel Adesnya regained the Middleweight title that he lost to Alex Pereira last year in November
• Pereira tried to bully Adesanya with his power but found himself knocked out by Adesanya
• Nigerian-born Adesanya overcame a flurry in the second round to finish his bitter rival

Israel Adesanya is the new Middleweight champion of the UFC.

The Nigerian-born fighter secured victory with a stunning knockout of Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 287.

The first round was competitive but cagey, as both fighters tried to find their range but not burn up too much energy.

Both men relied on their kickboxing background to land some kicks, while Adesanya threw in some punches as well.

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The former champion looked to be laser-focused during the first five minutes as he appeared to have an angry scowl on his face.

Round 2

The second round saw Pereira use his hands more as he tried to use his power to intimidate The Last Stylebender. While Pereira had the power advantage, Adesanya landed some big shots of his own, proving that he was no slouch in the punching department himself.

Pereira stepped up the pressure towards the end of the second round, beating up Adesanya’s legs and landing punches which looked to rattle the former champion.

Adesanya then produced a brilliant hook which rattled the champion and followed it up with another big shot which knocked out Pereira. Pereira was out cold as Izzy celebrated winning back his Middleweight title.

Their previous fight

Pereira and Adesanya previously fought in November 2022 for the Middleweight title.

Poatan, who was the challenger at the time, won the fight and title with a fifth-round technical knockout of the champion.

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Adesanya was in control of the fight until the referee’s stoppage and looked certain to defend his title on the judges’ scorecards.

Adesanya to move to WWE?

Sports Brief recently reported on Israel Adesanya's comments about possibly joining WWE in the near future.

The fighter was asked about that after Endeavor, the company that owns the UFC, agreed to purchase the wrestling company.

Adesanya responded by saying that moving to the WWE was something for a bit later down the line.