Israel Adesanya Shuts Down Alex Pereira Trilogy Fight: ‘He’s Got To Do The Hard Yards’ | UFC 287
Israel, “The Last Stylebender Adesanya, announced Saturday that he would not want a third fight against Alex “Poatan” Pereira, despite being tied in their head-to-head record in MMA.
Adesanya (24-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) insisted that their rivalry has come to a natural conclusion following his triumph over Pereira (7-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in a highly-anticipated rematch at UFC 287’s main event in Miami.
Alex “Poatan” Pereira
2023-04-09 17:07
Im just here to let u know that I’m fine ! I want to thank my family, my team and all the people who are supporting me during my journey. Now I just have to rest and continue with the plans that are already on motion. Thanks god 🙏 https://t.co/xU4nELWPBj
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The Nigerian-New Zealander secured a decisive victory over Pereira by landing several powerful right-hand punches that led to a knockout at the 4-minute and 21-second mark of the second round at Kaseya Center.
This impressive win also allowed Adesanya to reclaim the middleweight title, making him the first fighter in UFC history to hold that title twice.
Adesanya also joined a select group of only four out of fifteen fighters to regain their title in an immediate rematch.
UFC
2023-04-09 15:00
The full post-fight conversation between @Stylebender and @AlexPereiraUFC. Respect. #UFC287 https://t.co/fl8yWWQYyO
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Match review
On Saturday night, Pereira had the upper hand, pinning Adesanya against the cage and throwing powerful combinations. Suddenly, Adesanya launched a powerful right punch that rocked Pereira, followed by another right punch and a left hook that sent the Brazilian crashing to the ground.
As referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight, Adesanya delivered a hammer fist that sealed his victory. Pereira was left unconscious on the mat after the fierce KO.
During the post-fight press conference, Adesanya referred to the knockout punch he landed on Pereira as something that he had been waiting for since 2017, saying that the last hammer fist came “from gods.”
Israel Adesanya on UFC 287 win: I set the trap and Alex Pereira dove in | ESPN MMA
When Adesanya was asked if he would consider a second rematch with Pereira, he dismissed the idea. “I settle it, and now it’s settled,” the 33-year-old said.
Adesanya acknowledged Pereira’s accomplishments in defeating some top-tier opponents, such as Sean “The Tarzan” Strickland. He suggested Pereira compete in the 205-pound division, where he would be a trouble for the current roster, instead of staying to rematch him.
BroBible
2023-04-09 06:19
Israel Adesanya says he pointed at Alex Pereira’s son and got his revenge after Pereira’s son mocked him years ago #ufc287 https://t.co/JRLCpLnto5
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Prior to his defeat to Pereira last year, Adesanya had defended his middleweight title five times. He had never lost at 185 pounds until then, with his only previous MMA loss coming in a UFC light heavyweight title bout fight against Jan Blachowicz in 2021.
Adesanya’s next fight has yet to be announced, but it is likely that he will compete again this year.
