Israel Adesanya recaptured his UFC middleweight title in style last night (Sat., April 8, 2023) at UFC 287 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Fla., when “Last Stylebender” stopped 185-pound champion Alex Pereira with a blistering second-round knockout (punches).
Pereira landed early leg kicks that took Adesanya out of orthodox stance. “Last Stylebender” was beginning to find success from range, but he lost a step when he needed to switch to southpaw. “Poatan” continued his onslaught into the second round and Adesanya started to buckle on his busted leg.
That’s when Pereira backed Adesanya against the cage and all hell broke loose. Pereira landed a combination followed by a knee that seemed to hurt “Last Stylebender.” Adesanya came out of nowhere to counter with two vicious right hands and the champion fell to the canvas. Adesanya landed one final blow as Pereira was out cold.
It was the most incredible performance of Adesanya’s already legendary MMA career and a performance that puts him back on top of the sport. Check out the full fight video highlights below:
The former champ is laser focused on getting this W #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/8zDZJrRXdL
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
Ready to meet a familiar foe!@AlexPereiraUFC is all business before our #UFC287 main event! pic.twitter.com/4LAilBWvMf
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
ISRAEL ADESANYA JUST SLEPT ALEX PEREIRA TO FINALLY BEAT HIM #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/lQwzlLW0LA
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 9, 2023
ADESANYA GETS ONE BACK! HE KNOCKS PEREIRA OUT COLD! #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/P01reBg6je
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
What a moment!!!!! #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/xyTHkTCIog
— Submission Radio (@SubmissionRadio) April 9, 2023
It doesn’t get more inspirational than THIS
Pure joy for @Stylebender #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/fVhL9HyYxH
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
Stylebender stayed on the grind the entire time #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/zV76PBytkg
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
For complete UFC 287 results and coverage click here.