Adesanya Counters Pereira’s Aggression To Win By Second Round Knockout At UFC 287
In dramatic fashion, Israel Adesanya settled the score versus Alex Pereira tonight in Miami at UFC 287 by defeating the Brazilian striker with a set of devastating counter punches.
Following Adesanya’s defeat by TKO back in November at UFC 281, many had the impression that Pereira had his number, and the rematch would go much like their first meeting in the octagon. This evening in front of the crowd at the Kaseya Center, he proved the naysayers wrong, and reclaimed the middleweight title in just two rounds of action.
PART IV IS HERE!@AlexPereiraUFC vs @Stylebender starts NOW! #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/ot5kBh4o1u
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
In the opening round, the pair of main event competitors displayed their high level kickboxing prowess, both looking for openings as they engaged in the feeling out process. Adesanya was intelligently circling away from the left-hand power that his opponent has displayed on many occasions, while Pereira was attempting to slow “The Last Stylebender” down by delivering several digging calf kicks.
Early into the second round, Pereira got aggressive, and pressured Adesanya towards the cage while throwing powerful punches, showing shades of how things went back in November. But, Adesanya played smart defense, circled away, then went to work looking to find a home for his high kicks as they met in the center of the cage.
Both competitors continued to strategically trade strikes with supreme accuracy for the majority of the round, and It was clear that Adesanya was focused on moving forward as much as possible to avoid getting pressured by his opponent. But late in the round, he once again found himself with his back to the cage after absorbing two damaging low kicks.
Pereira sensed that his opponent was hurt, and moved in with a hard hook and shot to the body, then a knee, followed by an addition left hook up top. Just as Pereira dropped his hand to unload another one of his trademark hooks, Adesanya peaked out from around his guard and threw a lightning fast jab with a massive overhand right directly behind it.
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The right landed clean and staggered Pereira, Adesanya then followed things up with another overhand right and a short left uppercut that connected while “Poatan” fell toward the canvas in an unconscious state. To ensure the fight was over, Adesanya dropped on top of the Brazilian with a nasty hammer fist before the referee intervened to stop the action.
ADESANYA GETS ONE BACK! HE KNOCKS PEREIRA OUT COLD! 😱 #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/P01reBg6je
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
Following the electrifying main event, Adesanya had some very inspiring words for the fans prior to his post fight interview:
It doesn’t get more inspirational than THIS 🙌
Pure joy for @Stylebender #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/fVhL9HyYxH
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
To conclude an exciting evening, and a captivating rivalry, Adesanya and Pereira shared a moment of respect for one another backstage while surrounded by their teams:
Stylebender and Poatan exchange words after their latest battle 🤝
There is no sport like Mixed Martial Arts. #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/qo57Azkfbs
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
Official Result: Israel Adesanya def. Alex Pereira via KO (Counter Punches) – Round 2, 4:21