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Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira hug, and exchange words about meeting in Brazil after 4th fight
At UFC 287, New Zealand professional mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya finally exacted retribution on rival Alex Pereira and reclaimed the UFC middleweight title.
According to "The Last Stylebender," this was possibly one of his happiest times.
The two competitors have been at odds for more than seven years, spanning two sports.
Before UFC 287, "Poatan" had already beaten Adesanya three times, twice in kickboxing and once in MMA.
At UFC 281, he overthrew Adesanya to become the new middleweight champion.
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Israel Adesanya defeats Alex Pereira in style
As "the hunter," Israel Adesanya brought a unique viewpoint to the battle and insisted throughout the fight week that all it would take was one win over the Brazilian to exact revenge.
It was the second MMA fight in a four-fight series between the opponents that took place at UFC 287.
Pereira had a perfect 3-0 record versus Adesanya going into the contest.
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In the second round, after surviving an attack from Pereira, Adesanya stunned the Brazilian with a straight right hand.
When Adesanya was pressed up against the cage, Pereira kept applying pressure. Adesanya was knocked out by him after taking two clean right hands from him.
Adesanya then delivered a powerful hammer fist, but referee Dan Miragliotta reacted quickly to save Pereira, who was left speechless.
Periera was dealt a decisive blow by "The Last Stylebender" that knocked him out like a light.
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Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira embrace
The two fighters battling for supremacy created a rivalry in battle and has typically developed into lifelong admiration.
People can come together because of the intensity of the competition and grow to respect one another's abilities and achievements.
Opponents may learn to respect one another's skills and flaws and form a close bond through their pursuit of perfection.
Backstage at UFC 287, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira came into contact.
Adesanya expressed gratitude to Pereira for making him his best self. He even stated that he would like to return to Brazil and spend more time with "Poatan."
The 33-year-old lauded Pereira as a great champion in what was a lovely display of mutual respect.
Israel Adesanya was finally able to exact revenge on Alex Pereira after numerous failed efforts.
Pereira to move up to light heavyweight
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UFC president Dana White said during the post-fight news conference when asked if the two competitors would square off in a third match confirmed Pereira is moving up to light heavyweight.
He said, “Honestly, I think Pereira moves to 205 [pounds] after this fight. He’s a monster.
"I know that he still had like two pounds to cut, and there was an hour left of the weigh-ins.
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"So yeah, I’m not saying he’s moving to 205 [pounds], but I’m assuming he is... You can ask him. It wouldn’t surprise me.”
Adesanya will now take a break before returning to defend his UFC Middlweight title later in the year.
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