The year 2023 has been a thrilling time for MMA fans, with some of the most breathtaking knockouts taking place inside the Octagon. One such knockout was Ismael Bonfim’s flying knee against Terrance McKinney at UFC 283 on Jan. 21, which left the audience in awe. Not to mention Umar Nurmagomedov’s combination of a body kick and punch, resulting in his victory over Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night 217 on Jan. 14.
But arguably the most impressive knockout victory, according to many fans, was UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya’s victory over rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 on April 8.
Going into the fight, Israel was under immense pressure from his critics as he had lost to Pereira by TKO at UFC 281 on Nov. 12, 2022. At UFC 287, Pereira dominated the initial rounds, leaving Adesanya in trouble in the second.
However, the Kiwi managed to withstand the onslaught from Pereira and counter-attacked with a devastating four-punch combo that resulted in the knockout victory.
It was a stunning display of Adesanya’s skill and determination, cementing his legacy as one of the best fighters in the UFC today.
Israel Adesanya earns praise from Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer, has expressed his admiration for Adesanya’s knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC 287, stating that it may be the best knockout of the year.
On their podcast, the DC & RC show, Cormier and Ryan Clark discussed why Adesanya should be running for knockout of the year in the MMA community, given his impressive display against Pereira.
“It’s Adesanya knocking out Alex Pereira in Miami, Florida,” D.C. said. Bro, to say that in their fourth fight, Izzy said it was going to be violent. Izzy told you what he was going to do. Izzy delivered, and not only did he knock him out, he put him out cold. So, to do that after a guy knocked you out, it goes to The Last Stylebender.”
Adesanya, the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, is still basking in the glory of his stunning knockout win over rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 on April 8.
He recently opened up about his victory and the reason behind taunting Pereira’s son after the fight. While some fans and fellow fighters have criticized Adesanya’s behavior, calling it immature, the champion seems unfazed and is relishing the possibility of having the best knockout of the year.
Do you agree with Daniel Cormier? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
