Israel Adesanya finally landed the punches he sought for years – and when they landed, he once again became the UFC middleweight champion.
In the UFC 287 main event Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami, Adesanya (23-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) defeated Alex Pereira (7-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) by knockout at 4:21 of Round 2.
The fight Saturday was the rivalry’s fourth in combat sports and the second in MMA. It was also the first Adesanya won. Pereira entered the bout at 3-0 in the lifetime series, with two kickboxing wins (one by knockout and one by decision) and a UFC title-earning TKO victory over Adesanya at UFC 281 in November. Both of Pereira’s stoppage victories were late-round comebacks, further igniting the uneasy feelings with Adesanya.
The first round was a leg kick battle. Adesanya utilized his technical striking as Pereira leaned on his signature power. A close opening five minutes of point-fighting was followed by a more aggressive second round from both fighters, particularly Pereira, who landed a hard knee and punches combination.
With Adesanya against the cage, Pereira attempted more strikes but was met by two conscious-stealing right hands. Adesanya landed one massive hammerfist follow-up before referee Dan Miragliotta…
