New Zealander Israel Adesanya also called the style bender reclaimed his middleweight title from long-time bitter rival Alex Pereira with a spectacular knockout at UFC in Miami, Florida.
With Adesanya’s back against the cage in round two, the 33-year-old, unleased two crushing right hands to send Pereira, 35, to the canvas.
The victory avenges three previous defeats for Adesanya against Pereira.
He lost twice in kickboxing in 2016 and 2017, and at UFC in November of 2022.
The most recent defeat inside the octagon saw Brazil’s Pereira earn a stunning fifth-round knockout to win the title.
Writing by Tersoo Nicholas