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After the knockout against Pereira, Adesanya was handed a medical suspension by doctors.
Nigerian-New Zealander professional mixed martial artist (MMA) Israel Mobolaji Adesanya has been handed a medical suspension following the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 281 last weekend.
Adesanya was knocked out in the fifth round by Brazilian Alexsandro Pereira after the main event at UFC 281.
The Last Stylebender as Adesanya is known dominated the fight for four rounds and was up 3-1 on the judges' scorecard going to the fifth round.
In his sixth title defense of the UFC middleweight title, Adesanya fell short against Pereira at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Doctors suspend Adesanya after the loss against Pereira
Pereira had previously defeated Adesanya twice in boxing and was able to do so again in the UFC.
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Pereira is the first to knockout Adesanya since he joined the UFC and the Nigerian will now face a lengthy suspension as a result.
Adesanya's medical suspension is because he was knocked out as the same was issued to his competition Nigerian-American MMA star Kamarudeen Usman.
A combination of punches by Pereira forced a stoppage and now Adesanya has been suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission.
Adesanya is expected to rest and not participate in any fight preparation for the next 30 days.
Before the suspension, Adesanya also revealed his desire to take some time off before a return for the trilogy against Pereira.
Speaking to the MMA Hour, he said, “It was my third fight in 10 months, as a champion, putting it on the line every single time. I’m going to really enjoy myself and just chill.
"I’ll travel maybe, and help my teammates as well. Help them get ready for their respective fights, but I deserve this. I earned this."
Referee Marc Goddard has issued a statement on ending the fight early to avoid Adesanya suffering a life-changing injury.
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On his social media platforms, he said, "Thank you to all who understand the role in which we play, protection is paramount. Decisions are over the second they are made, the conscience lives forever.
"Honoured, blessed & thankful. On the biggest stage, there is, of the fighters, for the fighters - they remain the Kings."
Adesanya is now expected to return to the Octagon in 2023 with a fourth fight against Pereira expected to be sanctioned by the UFC.
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