Did Israel Adesanya have a second wind coming at UFC 281? The recently dethroned middleweight champ certainly seems to think so. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Adesanya claimed that he was “lucid” as referee Dan Miragliotta called a stop to the contest in the final round. Adesanya, who was ahead on the scorecards, lost the fight via TKO as Pereira unleashed a series of brutal punches straight to his head. Adesanya, however, argued that it was an early stoppage, as he was in no real danger when the referee intervened.
“I’m grateful. What a life, what a moment. F****** crazy, isn’t it? Similar to the last time [I fought Pereira in kickboxing], same story. It’s crazy. I was fine. First thing I said to [coach Eugene Bareman] or the ref, I was fine because I was still lucid. I was in there, but s*** happens.
Adesanya Accuses UFC of Early Stoppage
No, I talked to my coaches [about the stoppage] and I trust them. I trust them. But I was fine, I could see everything. My eyes might have rolled back a little bit, but I was lucid […]
F***, my ego would say at least let me go out on my shield. But I don’t think I would have gone out because I was still there. I’ve seen worse stoppages. F****** bring back Steve Mazzagatti. I would have been fine. [Pereira] might have won that round but I’d still be champion.”
The fight marked Adesanya’s first MMA stoppage loss, and his first loss in the middleweight division. Adesanya wants an immediate rematch so he can have the chance to recapture the middleweight title, and perhaps finally take a win over Alex Pereira, who is now 3-0 against “The Last Stylebender”.
“Of course, of course. I’ve been doing this – this is my third fight in 10 months. Every time I fight I risk losing what you guys deem as prestigious, which it is, it’s the belt and all that s***. But nah, I put it on the line, because I’m not just trying to fight once and then chill, do my lap around and parade as the champion and not risk so much.
I put it on the line and this is what happens. Again, dare to be great, and I am.” Is this the last we’ve seen of Israel Adesanya, or do you believe he will bounce back better than ever? Let us know in the comments.
