The Nigerian-born fighter who grew up in New Zealand had lost his championship to the Brazilian in November last year but when he was backed against the cage he pulled off a spectacular KO, which he said “was from the gods” in his post-fight interview.
Both fighters had a cautious first round with a barrage of leg kicks from both ends with Pereira targeting Adesanya’s right calf, much like he did in their last UFC bout.
They opened up in the second round, standing toe to toe and both landing punches, but it was when Adesanya was against the cage and wearing body shots when he unleashed two huge right-hand punches which stunned and then knocked down Pereira.
The 33-year-old then threw a hammer-fist while Pereira was on the mat and the referee quickly stopped the fight before he could land a second.
Adesanya celebrated his victory by mimicking shooting three arrows into his floored opponent, reclaiming his middleweight championship belt.
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