Alex Pereira did it again with his always dangerous, explosive power.
The Brazilian continued to prove that he has Israel Adesanya's number as he delivered a rallying fifth-round TKO to become the new middleweight world champion at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday night. With the rousing victory, Pereira improves to 3-0 over Adesanya as his previous two wins over "The Last Stylebender" came in professional kickboxing.
Adesanya was up 3-1 rounds when Pereira caught him with an electric left hook. With the champ wobbled badly, Pereira unloaded with a right uppercut and then came across Adesanya's head with a right hook to have him reeling. "Poatan" then teed off on Adesanya with rights and lefts until the referee stepped in to stop the fight, effectively crowning the new champion.
It was a stirring victory considering Adesanya broke a 1-1 tie in the third round by taking Pereira down and owning ground control. The fourth round had Pereira looking fatigued and unable to establish any significant offense.
Prior to the fifth round, Pereira's corner implored him that he needs a knockout to win and the Brazilian more than delivered.
With Adesanya up against the Octagon, Pereira bashed him with his vaunted left hook before an uppercut, right hook and flurry of thunderous punches brought "The Last Stylebender's" reign to an abrupt end.
Here's how the entire UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira main card went.