The MMA world is still talking about Israel Adesanya overcoming Alex Pereira at UFC 287 after a sensational knockout that saw ‘The Last Stylebender’ reclaim his middleweight title. Former UFC double champion and Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier explained how Adesanya prepared for the toughest fight of his MMA career.

Israel Adesanya made history last weekend in Miami after becoming the first-ever two-time UFC middleweight champion. He landed a 4-punch combination on Alex Pereira that turned the Brazilian fighter’s lights out. Izzy even claimed to have baited ‘Poatan’ for the knockout.

Daniel Cormier lauds Israel Adesanya for being gracious in defeat

In the latest episode of ESPN’s ‘DC &RC’ show, Daniel Cormier talked about the mindset of ‘The Last Stylebender’ heading into the fight last weekend. He said, “I think what happens is when you lose to someone, you’re more motivated to work harder. So you’re always going to be more prepared.” Cormier then provided a reason behind Israel Adesanya’s performance. He added, “The reason he [Adesanya] was able to do all that [was] because he was gracious, bro.”

Cormier mentioned that he had never witnessed any fighter handle a loss, as Adesanya did. He also mentioned that after the Nigerian-born fighter lost his title last year, he did not make any excuses. Cormier said, “No tears, no sadness, no excuses. Nothing. He literally said, ‘He got me. I will get back and get to the next one. I have never seen anyone do that. But because he did that, he was clear-minded in the mission.”

Cormier claims Adesanya’s clear-mindedness helped him get the victory

DC pointed out that Israel Adesanya never made any excuse after his loss, but instead thrived on being better than he was in his loss at UFC 281. “He [Adesanya] wasn’t lying to himself, … He just said, ‘I’ve got to do better. I gotta be locked in for 25 minutes.”

Cormier mentions that Adesanya was more driven than ever for his UFC 287 fight and that he didn’t follow through with his usual schtick of dance entrances and all that kind of stuff.

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Israel Adesanya’s UFC 287 win has cemented his legacy as one of the best middleweights in the UFC’s history. He has never shied away from taking on the best fighters since his debut in the promotion. We will have to wait and see whom he decides to fight next.

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