On Saturday night at FTX Arena in Miami, Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya secured an unforgettable victory to become the new undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world. Adesanya, who previously lost to Alex “Poatan” Pereira in November 2022 during UFC 281, avenged his defeat in a spectacular fashion.

The highly anticipated main event of UFC 287 saw both fighters sizing each other up in the beginning, but Adesanya quickly took control and became the aggressor in the first round. Pereira managed to land some kicks at the start of the second round, but Adesanya, who appeared more muscular and aggressive than in previous fights, kept him on his toes.

As the fight seemed to take a turn against Adesanya with his back against the cage, he unleashed a powerful right hook that knocked Pereira out cold. Adesanya then added insult to injury by mimicking spearing Pereira with three imaginary arrows in a triumphant celebration.

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Adesanya couldn’t contain his joy and revealed that he had been “playing possum” before delivering the knockout blow to Pereira. He expressed his happiness and hoped that everyone in the arena could experience such a moment in their lifetime.

“I hope everyone of you in this arena can feel this level of happiness just one time in your life,” Adesanya said.

Advertisement