Israel Adesanya reclaims middleweight championship with stunning KO victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287

Israel Adesanya, the Nigerian-born UFC fighter, has reclaimed his title as middleweight champion after delivering a spectacular knockout to his greatest foe Alex Pereira in the second round at UFC 287 in Miami. Adesanya had lost his championship to the Brazilian in November last year, but when he was backed against the cage, he pulled off a vicious KO, which he attributes to God in his post-fight interview.

In the first round, both fighters were cautious with a flurry of leg kicks, particularly from Pereira, who targeted Adesanya’s right calf. They both opened up in the second round, standing toe to toe and landing punches. It was when Adesanya was against the cage and taking body shots when he unleashed two huge right-hand punches. Pereira was stunned and then knocked down, followed by a hammer-fist thrown by Adesanya. The referee stopped the fight before he could land a second.

Adesanya celebrated his victory by mimicking shooting three arrows into his floored opponent while reclaiming his middleweight championship belt.

Gilbert Burns dominates in welterweight division while Jorge Masvidal retires after unanimous decision loss

In the co-main event, Gilbert Burns put on a dominant performance against Jorge Masvidal, winning via unanimous decision in the welterweight division. Masvidal, the veteran UFC fighter, announced his retirement after the fight. He fought 52 times, won 35 times with 18 of those victories by KO.

Rob Font knocks out Adrian Yanez in bantamweight division

Rob Font delivers a vicious right hook in the first round of the bantamweight division, sending Adrian Yanez down for the count.

Christian Rodriguez wins via decision while Kevin Holland knocks out Santiago Ponzinibbio

Christian Rodriguez defeated Raul Rosas Jnr by a decision in the bantamweight division, while Kevin Holland knocked out Santiago Ponzinibbio with a left-hook to the jaw in the third round of their welterweight bout.