Israel Adesanya celebrates after knocking out Alex Pereira in round 2 to reclaim the middleweight title during UFC 287 at Kaseya Center in Miama. Photo: AFP / Carmen Mandato
New Zealander Israel Adesanya has knocked out Alex Pereira in the second round to regain the middleweight title at UFC 287 in Miami today.
Adesanya won late in the round with a solid right, with a follow-up shot sending the Brazilian to the canvas.
Today was the fourth time the pair had meet, with Pereira winning all three previous fights - twice in kickboxing and once in MMA That last win in November saw him claim the UFC title, ending Adesanya's three-year dominance of the division.
With former US president Donald Trump reportedly watching from ringside, the fighters began in cagey fashion, with both landing some solid kicks and punches.
However, the match swung in an instant as Adesanya caught his long-time rival with a right hand that knocked him out with 39 seconds remaining in round two.
Israel Adesanya prepares for his middleweight title bout against Alex Pereira of Brazil during UFC 287 at Kaseya Center in Miami. Photo: AFP / Carmen Mandato
The New Zealander landed more blows to ensure the win before dancing around the octagon to celebrate victory over his arch rival and a successful first fight as a challenger since October 2019, when he beat Australian Robert Whittaker to first claim the belt.
In an interview immediately after the win, Adesanya spoke with passion into the camera.
"I hope everyone of you behind the screens, in this arena, can feel this level of happiness just one time in your life," he said.
"But guess what, you will never feel this level of happiness if you don't go for something in your own life. When they knock you down, when they try and talk s..t about you, when they try and put their foot on your neck. If you stay down, you will never, ever get that resolve."
Adesanya said revenge was "sweet" but also praised Pereira's quality.
"No matter what, Alex is a great champion. He lost the belt tonight, but he will always be a champion. In his story I'm the antagonist, I'm the bad guy, but tonight it's my story, history."
Prior to his upset by Pereira, Adesanya was considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, defending his middleweight belt five times.
- RNZ