At UFC 287 in Miami, Florida, Israel Adesanya reclaimed his middleweight title from long-time rival Alex Pereira with a spectacular knockout.
In round two, with his back to the cage, Adesanya, 33, unleashed two crushing right hands that sent Pereira, 35, to the canvas.
Adesanya’s victory avenges three previous defeats to Pereira.
He was defeated in kickboxing twice in 2016 and 2017, as well as at UFC 281 in November.
Pereira of Brazil won the title with a stunning fifth-round knockout in his most recent defeat inside the octagon.
Go Octagon-side for THE knockout of the night 🔥 #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/RSB0P6aiZq
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
“I hope every one of you can feel this level of happiness for one time in your life,” the Nigeria-born New Zealander Adesanya said.
“But guess what – you’ll never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something in your life. When they knock you down, if you stay down you will never get that resolve.
“Fortify your mind and feel this level of happiness. I’m blessed to feel this again and again and again.”
Israel Adesanya conquers his nemesis
Israel Adesanya has said his rivalry with Pereira has produced the “greatest storyline in MMA history“.
Following his second kickboxing defeat in 2017, Adesanya switched to MMA full-time, eventually becoming UFC middleweight champion in 2019 and dominating the division for three years, defending the unified belt five times.
Just champ things!@Stylebender 🤝 @TheAssassinBaby backstage after #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/Vh0jOOs91A
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
But, having accomplished everything he desired in kickboxing, where he was a multi-weight champion, Pereira followed Adesanya to the UFC and, after winning his first three fights, was quickly promoted to a title fight.
Pereira defeated Adesanya inside the octagon in that fight, setting up an immediate rematch and fourth fight between the two.
During his pre-fight walkout, Israel Adesanya wore a dog collar and stated that if he removed it, he would be unleashed inside the octagon.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan, meanwhile, described Pereira’s walkout as “bone-chilling” as he stopped halfway to scream and mimic firing a bow and arrow, which is a nod to his indigenous roots in Brazil.
Both fighters threw numerous feints and attacked with leg kicks in the early stages of the fight, with Adesanya circling away from Pereira’s dangerous left hook while attempting to keep the Brazilian going backwards.
The fight really heated up in the second round, when Pereira applied pressure and attacked Adesanya against the cage, echoing scenes from their November fight.
In contrast to their previous encounter, Adesanya was able to avoid damage and counter with two flush right hands, leaving Pereira flat on his back.
Israel Adesanya exclaimed in delight before imitating Pereira’s bow and arrow taunt.
In winning, Israel Adesanya became a two-time middleweight champion and handed Pereira his first defeat in his five-fight UFC career.
“I told you the hunter is now the hunted. Thank you for beating me because beating me made me a better fighter, a better person” he said.
“In this camp I didn’t [mess] around. If you know me I like to vacation but I stayed on the grind and I put myself through it.”
With report from BBC Sport
