Israel Adesanya, the Kiwi fighter known for his flamboyant personality and elite performance inside the Octagon, claimed victory against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight championship. While Adesanya had lost to Pereira in their previous three encounters, he finally settled the scores and demonstrated his prowess as the more skilled martial artist.
Adesanya confirms disinterest in a fifth fight with Pereira
In a post-fight interview, Adesanya confirmed that he has no interest in fighting Pereira again, having already given him a fast-track to the belt. Despite Pereira beating him twice in their kickboxing careers, Adesanya proved his dominance in the recent UFC fight. However, he has suggested that Pereira could become a real contender again if he moves up to the light-heavyweight division, where there would be a less substantial weight cut.
Ngannou celebrates Adesanya’s victory and calls him the best middleweight of all time
Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou celebrated Adesanya’s victory and called him the best middleweight of all time. Ngannou praised Adesanya for overcoming his career’s greatest impediment and settling the middleweight GOAT debate. The victory cemented Adesanya’s legacy as the greatest middleweight of all time according to Ngannou.
The fight itself
The fight took place at the Kaseya Center in Miami with Adesanya leading the first round on judges’ scores while Pereira picked up the pace in the second round but was ultimately lured by Adesanya and delivered a devastating blow. Adesanya played possum and baited Pereira to win back the title. His dog collar helped him stay focused ahead of the rematch.
Adesanya’s defining fight against Kelvin Gastelum in UFC 236
Adesanya’s victory against Pereira adds to his list of incredible performances inside the Octagon. One such noteworthy fight was his bout against Kelvin Gastelum in UFC 236. The fight between Adesanya and Gastelum was considered one of the best fights of 2019. The Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter secured the interim middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Gastelum.
Gastelum had a chance to win in the fourth round, as Adesanya wobbled, but made a mistake by going for a takedown instead of capitalizing on Adesanya’s state. However, Adesanya recovered in the fourth round and dominated in the fifth round, eventually dropping Gastelum and finishing the fight with a barrage of punches.
In conclusion, Adesanya’s victory against Pereira has solidified his position as the greatest middleweight of all time according to Francis Ngannou. Furthermore, Adesanya’s defining fight against Kelvin Gastelum demonstrated his elite performance inside the Octagon and secured his place as one of the most skilled martial artists in the UFC today.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
