UFC 281 ended as the middleweight changed hands from Israel Adesanya to Alex Pereira. Poatan has the Stylebender’s number. This is the 3rd time that he has beaten Izzy. The conversation was that 5 years is a lot of time and Israel has done bits in the UFC and MMA in general.

Being the more seasoned fighter in MMA, Adesanya was the bookie’s favorite to win the bout via decision, but things didn’t go according to the script. The fight was stopped in the 5th round as Alex Pereira launched a barrage of strikes, which proved to be too much for Izzy.

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Perhaps this was one of the best performances Israel has put inside the octagon. He made it look easy at the time. However, it was not enough in the end.

Medical issues hold Adesanya back from a sure-shot victory?

There were talks that Israel was perhaps not in the best of shape coming into the fight, which might have caused him to not be able to be at his 100% best. The 5th round, also known as the championship round, is when his experience was argued to count and edge him toward victory. It wasn’t the case as it turns out.

Before UFC 281, the conversation for Israel to be one of the best Middleweight ever was trending. He was chasing former Middleweight and all-time great Anderson ‘The Spider Silva’s records in the promotion. Silva has a record-setting 10 title defenses to his name in the division. He also has the longest win streak in promotion with 16 straight wins.

Post-fight in an interview, he said, “I don’t disclose everything,” Israel Adesanya declared in a post-fight interview at UFC 281. 

He further added, “I’ve had some stuff, some medical stuff, that I’ve just put on the backburner, even stuff people make fun of me for. I’ve just got to look after myself because my health comes first. I’ve got some things to fix first, but I’ll be back.”

Israel Adesanya: Pursuing Greatness

Izzy is still young, aged 33 years old. He has overcome all the challenges thrown at him and is still in his prime. With focus, determination, and hard work, it is clear he has a good chance of breaking The Spider’s record.

He is just 4 title defenses behind the record holder, looking at the opponents left to challenge him. If he can get past Poatan, there’s not much of a challenge left in the division.

Do you think he can break Anderson Silva’s record?

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