MMA star Israel Adesanya's first round TKO win over American Derek Brunson puts him into the UFC record books claiming his fourth win in as many appearances this year.
Ninth ranked UFC Middleweight Israel Adesanya (Left) striking Derek Brunson Photo: Noah K. Murray
Israel Adesanya used his trademark takedown defence to keep eager attacker Derek Brunson at bay early in the first round before bringing to an end the four minutes and 51 second fight.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander also known as the 'Last Stylebender' (15-0)opened the UFC's main card proceedings at New York's Madison Square Garden and didn't fail to deliver on what he had been promising to do leading up to the fight.
Israel Adesanya Photo: Noah K. Murray
A desperate shoot to Adesanya's leg was read to perfection prompting him to counter with a devastating knee sending Brunson (18-7) on a downward spiral he failed to recover from.
Some slick striking and a head kick added insult to injury before finishing the fight only needing a short punch to convince the referee to step in and stop the fight.
"I really wanted him to feel my jab and I said I wanted to get to round two so I could look across at his face and be like you feel me now?" Adensanya told UFC post fight
"He felt this knee real quick... I hoped he would get me on my back so I could show what my guard game is like."
"That was my last fight of the year four fights all wins two knockouts and hopefully three bonuses. I'm sitting pretty I've got the buffet in front of me and I'm about to eat.
The win is Adesanya's first TKO win in the first round and remains undefeated in the UFC after four appearances this year, the only fighter able to do so in 2018 and is third in the division for most consecutive wins.
Undefeated in 14 professional career bouts, Adesanya is ranked 9th in the division and is working towards a fight on home soil against current champion and fellow New Zealander Robert Whittaker in Auckland next year.
- RNZ