UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes Israel Adesanya had done enough to get his hand raised in his first encounter with Alex Pereira. But the Kiwi fighter found himself on the wrong side of a poor decision. While he was on the verge of settling the score in their second meeting, a win again slipped by. The pair then faced each other two more times, and the New Zealander finally had his redemption in their last showdown at UFC 287.

The color commentator contended ‘Poatan’ had his share of sheer luck, partly because of the judges’ poor scoring and the recovery window afforded to him in the second match. The Brazilian fighter banked on the opportunities thrown his way and finished ‘The Last Stylebender’ in “spectacular fashion”.

A poor decision plagued Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira’s first fight

The famed podcaster sat down with Dave Smith on Ep. #1977 of JRE. The guest, while enlisting his picks for the GOAT debate, expressed the rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira had reached its conclusion with a score of 3-1. However, the 55-year-old host held contrary views.

He said, “I don’t think he is 3-1. I think he won the first fight. First kickboxing fight was a bad decision, I believe.”

Following this, the notable TV presenter shed light on their second kickboxing bout where the former Glory champion was in trouble but got saved by a whisker.

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He stated, “And he [Alex Pereira] got saved in the second kickboxing match. Adesanya had him on skates. He was in real trouble. They gave him a standing eight count, which is huge.”

Rogan then pointed out how the 8-second count dramatically altered the fight. He put forth, “Imagine that taking place and referee stood and gave him a standing eight count. Pereira is a monster. He recovers quickly.”

The MMA analyst mentioned the referee’s slow countdown worked in Pereira’s favor as he recovered after getting rocked.

Pereira seized the cool-down period and scored a spectacular win

Moreover, Rogan speculated the opportunity thrown was intentional. Pereira turned the tides in the fight and scored an impressive knockout win with his staple, thunderous left punch.

Therefore, Rogan summed up, “They don’t want him to lose right so they give him this little ability to recover. He survives and then he winds up winning and knocking out Adesanya in spectacular fashion.”

Markedly, since his first loss against Israel Adesanya, Pereira has specified his intention to move up to the 205 lbs division.

Read More: “I Gave Him a Fast Track to the Belt”- After UFC 287 Redemption, Israel Adesanya Discloses the Reason Why Alex Pereira Was Awarded the Title Shot

What do you think of these statements by UFC commentator Joe Rogan? Do you believe UFC champion Israel Adesanya was the rightful victor in the first encounter? Let us know in the comments below.

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