Author: Chandra Moulee Das
Alex Pereira won by technical knockout in the fifth round over Adesanya to win the title at UFC 281 last November at Madison Square Garden. Notably, Pereira also emerged victorious against Adesanya in two kickboxing bouts, the most recent being a knockout in 2017. With the win, he became the only fighter ever to score a knockout against Adesanya.
However, in a dramatic turnaround at UFC 287, Adesanya managed to strike back, finally ridding himself of the burden hanging over him and getting his revenge.
Speaking to SKY Sports about how the defeat affected him and whether he feels like a changed man, Adesanya said: “Yes, 100%. Experiences like this shape you. Experiences in general shape us, but these are really extreme. I lost on one of the biggest stages in the world, Madison Square Garden, but I’m fine.“
During the main event of UFC 287, held at the Kaseya Center, Adesanya struck a decisive blow, unleashing a series of right blows that culminated in a knockout at 4 minutes and 21 seconds of the second round. With this emphatic victory, Adesanya regained the UFC middleweight title, etching his name in the annals of history as the first two-time middleweight champion in the UFC’s historical legacy. Surprisingly, he also joined the group of only four of the fifteen fighters who managed to regain their titles in an immediate rematch.
In the middle of the high-octane clash, Pereira put in a commendable performance, pressing Adesanya against the cage and throwing quick combinations. However, Adesanya later revealed that he was strategically waiting for his moment. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a devastating right jab that rocked Pereira and then used another powerful right and a precise left hook, sending Pereira to the canvas.