Israel Adesanya becomes the new middleweight champion after knocking out Alex Pereira in the UFC 287 main event.
Middleweight champion Alex Pereira faced off against former titleholder Israel Adesanya in a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC 287 main event. Pereira had defeated Adesanya at UFC 281 in November to capture the 185-pound championship, and had also bested him twice in kickboxing matches.
Despite Pereira’s three wins over Adesanya, the challenger knew that this was his last chance to defeat his nemesis. The fight began cautiously, with both fighters being calculated about when to attack. Pereira landed the first strike with an outside leg kick, and they exchanged calf kicks.
Adesanya began targeting Pereira’s body with kicks, and Pereira answered back with a left hand. As the round progressed, Adesanya started putting together combinations, and Pereira connected with a calf kick that seemed to have hurt Adesanya. However, in the second round, Adesanya knocked Pereira out with a thunderous right hand.
The official ending came at 4:21 of the second round, and Adesanya became the new middleweight champion and a two-time titleholder. Despite Pereira’s confidence heading into the match, Adesanya proved himself to be a formidable opponent and sealed his victory with a knockout.