UFC 287: Israel Adesanya Knocks Alex Pereira Out to Win Middleweight Title Back | Highlights

“The Last Stylebender” finally found a way to defeat his longtime rival.

For a moment in the second round, it looked like Alex Pereira had Israel Adesanya exactly where he wanted him.

“Poatan” launched a couple of leg kicks and had Adesanya pressed up against the cage, even unleashing a devastating knee up the middle.

But right when it looked like Pereira was going to unleash his destructive power once again, Adesanya turned the Brazilian’s aggression against him. “The Last Stylebender” uncorked a hellacious right hook to the temple and another one that knocked Pereira out as he regained his middleweight world championship in the headliner of UFC 287 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and live on pay per view.

“Tonight, it’s my story,” Adesanya also said after delivering the second-round KO. “History!”

He added: “I told you, the hunter is now the hunted.”

With the victory, Adesanya not only re-established his spot as one of mixed martial arts’ all-time greats but also exacted sweet revenge against Pereira, who had defeated him by fifth-round TKO in November and twice prior during their pro kickboxing days.

Baiting Pereira in and allowing him to go for another power surge just to turn his lights out was a measured, skilled counterattack that puts Adesanya back on top of the division, silencing any critics in the process.

Watch highlights below:

Israel Adesanya is cold!!! Man KOed Periera and used his celebration while watching him struggle on the canvass! Izzy!😂🇳🇬 #UFC287pic.twitter.com/jy2xZylZ9S

— Okon ‘Ediye’ Nya (@iamOkon) April 9, 2023

ADESANYA GETS ONE BACK! HE KNOCKS PEREIRA OUT COLD! 😱 #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/P01reBg6je

— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023

"Hunter is now the hunted" – Israel Adesanya.

Fucking ICONIC. #UFC287pic.twitter.com/WMBXS243wv

— Hemant (@Sportscasmm) April 9, 2023

Watch full fight here.