Israel Adesanya Knocks Out Pereira in 2nd Round, Reclaims UFC Title [Video]

Israel Adesanya knocked out Pereira in 2nd round to reclaim his UFC title.

Newsone reports that Nigerian kickboxer, Israel Adesanya needed a spectacular second-round knockout to defeat his long-time nemesis Brazilian Alex Pereira, and exorcise a demon.

This online news platform recalls that Adesanya suffered a controversial points loss to Pereira in their first fight, a kickboxing match. In their rematch, also in kickboxing, Adesanya was leading but was knocked out. In November 2022, in their first MMA clash, again Adesanya was ahead, but he was beaten in the final round.

Adesanya, fondly known as The Last Stylebender, on his fourth attempt, on Sunday, April 9, 2023, finally got his win over Pereira, and in stunning fashion with a knockout at minute 4:21 of Round 2.

Newsone Nigeria reports that The Last Stylebender, at the end of the fight, said he was “playing possum” against the fence, waiting for a moment to strike.

And when he struck, did he strike? It was a clean right hook from nowhere, and it stunned Pereira still. The next shot was another right hook to put down Pereira. One hammer fist and the fight was waved off, but Pereira was already out cold after the second hook.

In the end, Adesanya made good on what was likely his last chance to beat Pereira and improved his MMA fight record to 24-2 (13-2 UFC), while Pereira (7-2 MMA) suffered his first loss in the UFC (4-1 UFC).

Speaking after the fight, Israel Adesanya said: “This is a sweet sweet victory and you know I have a sweet tooth. The hunter is now the hunted”, Adesanya said during his post-fight interview inside the Octagon.

“Hunter is now the hunted” – Israel Adesanya.

Fucking ICONIC. #UFC287pic.twitter.com/WMBXS243wv

— Hemant (@Sportscasmm) April 9, 2023

Watch the moment Israel Adesanya knocked out Pereira in 2nd round to reclaim his title below…

nah Israel Adesanya out of pocket for this 💀 pic.twitter.com/9HqkBXHiyW

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 9, 2023