Adesanya wins Knockout of The Year award [Video]

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In a stunning turn of events, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has secured his maiden MMA Junkie Knockout of the Year Award, courtesy of his second-round dismantling of Alex Pereira in April 2023, as reported by our source.

Despite a trophy-laden cabinet that includes accolades like Newcomer of The Year, Fight of The Year, and Male Fighter of The Year in mixed martial arts, Adesanya had surprisingly eluded the prestigious Knockout of The Year honor. This, despite an impressive knockout record in the UFC, boasting over 16 KOs. However, the tide has finally turned in Adesanya's favour.

The April clash with Pereira marked their second encounter in the UFC and the fourth in their broader combat sports rivalry. Pereira held a dominant 3-0 lead in their previous matchups, but Adesanya's resilience propelled him to victory, clinching a second middleweight championship. Notably, he also bagged the Performance of The Night award at UFC 287.

The knockout itself unfolded amid a ferocious leg kick battle in the initial round, escalating into a more aggressive exchange in the second. Adesanya's execution of two razor-sharp right hands sealed the deal with remarkable precision and power, solidifying his standing as the 'Knockout of The Year' awardee. The victory is hailed for its blend of technique and narrative, marking a pivotal moment in Adesanya's illustrious career.

This second-round knockout not only saw Adesanya reclaim the UFC middleweight championship but also marked his inaugural triumph over Pereira in their four-fight rivalry spanning various combat sports.

The Nigerian-born sensation etched his name in history as the eighth UFC fighter to achieve two-time champion status. However, his journey took an unexpected turn on September 10, 2023, at UFC 293, where he faced Sean Strickland. In a major upset, Adesanya succumbed to a unanimous decision loss, with all three judges scoring the fight 49–46. The plot thickens in the tumultuous world of mixed martial arts.

See the video of the award below:



Source: punchng.com

#Israel Adesanya
#Knockout of The Year award
#MMA
#UFC