By Dylan Bettencourt
Sports Editor
Israel Adesanya’s legacy was on the line when he walked into the octagon for his fourth fight against Alex Pereira.
The pair have a long history together, dating back to 2015 when they clashed in a kickboxing championship.
Nigerian Adesanya is thought of as one of the best fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) but there was always one thorn in his side and that was Pereira.
Pereira had beaten Adesanya twice in their kickboxing days before coming to the UFC and knocking the 33-year-old out in the final round for the middleweight title last November.
In all three fights, Adesanya was said to be winning – until he wasn’t.
Pereira is scarily powerful and he has the ability to put anyone on their backside with his left hook.
Even he, Brazilian Perreira, has said that some styles of fighting do not match and Adesanya simply cannot beat him.
And it certainly felt that way as Adesanya, who represents New Zealand, sought to reclaim his belt.
Before the fight, Adesanaya sent a defiant message that he did not want the belt, he wanted Pereira’s head.
Adesanya fought tremendously in the opening round of the fight but yet again was falling victim to the vicious calf kicks from his arch-enemy.
Adesanya – full name Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya – seemed different. He seemed angry.
And anger is something Adesanya does not show often but it worked a treat in the second round.
Periera caught Adesanya with a good left hand and hurt the former champion, or so he thought.
Adesanya backed up against the cage and covered up as Pereira’s eyes lit up, seeking to end the fight with a flurry of blows.
However, Adesanya saw an opening and threw a massive right hand to knock Pereira out cold and reclaim his belt.
When asked about a possible fifth fight between the pair as it stands at 1-1 in the UFC, Adesanya said he didn’t keep score.
“I settle them!” he said.
Pictured above: Israel Adesanya celebrating his victory over Alex Pereira
Image source: @stylebender
