
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 06: Israel Adesanya makes his way to the Octagon for the Middleweight title bout during UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 06: Israel Adesanya makes his way to the Octagon for the Middleweight title bout during UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira’s fight at UFC 281 was a treat for fans. Alex Pereira knocked out Israel Adesanya with a shower of punches in the 5th round. The fight had to be stopped as Referee Marc Goddard adjudged that Adesanya was unable to protect himself. The decision, however, created a controversy.
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UFC’s official Twitter handle shared a recent video. The clip is from UFC 91, which happened in 2008. Brock Lesnar could be seen knocking out Randy Couture in the fight.
READ MORE: After Losing Title, Israel Adesanya Reveals He Had ‘Medical Stuff’ That ‘People Make Fun’ Of
It was, however, the referee’s call to not stop the fight that has now attracted the attention of fans. The video came back at the time when there are talks about Goddard’s controversial stoppage.
A user commented,
Izzy would still be Champ if Yamasaki was still around 😔
— Tyler Durden (@bwizzlemizzle) November 15, 2022
It’s very clear that the user felt that Marc Goddard had stopped the fight prematurely. Hence, blaming him for Israel Adesanya’s loss.
Israel Adesanya fans want Yamasaki back
Another fan of ‘Izzy’ commented about missing ref Yamasaki.
Mario let them die Yamasaki ! We need this ref back 😂 pic.twitter.com/75yjqNyWbV
— Kaneki (@LegendaryVoidX) November 15, 2022
However, it’s noteworthy that before the 5th round Israel Adesanya was relatively better placed to win the fight. He also had inflicted damage on Pereira and had executed a few takedowns, too.
After getting some instructions and motivation from his corner and coach, Pereira came out swinging. Further, his counter-attack dazed Adesanya. It was here when the referee decided to stop the fight. Adesanya didn’t look impressed with the call.
Referring to the incident, a user commented,
If Izzy was given this amount of time he’d still be champ
— Connor Peña (@AJenkinsBrother) November 15, 2022
Adesanya, although, later accepted that he thought the stoppage was right after consulting his coaches. Goddard’s also tweeted his explanation.
Fans, however, didn’t look convinced. A user commented,
All these highlights of championship matches are proving Izzy right — he should have been allowed more time
— SPORT (@bestvsgreatest) November 15, 2022
Yamasaki kept the fight going
In the video shared by the UFC, Brock Lesnar could be seen pounding Randy Couture. Ref. Yamasaki, however, was in no hurry to stop the fight. A Twitter user said,
Mario "if he's blinking, he's thinking" Yamasaki
— 米 Yanism 米 (@theyanism) November 15, 2022
Some users, however, pointed out that the fight should probably have been stopped a little earlier.
…now that was a late stoppage.
— The Observer (@ofthequietmind) November 15, 2022
The user somehow seemed to feel that Izzy’s stoppage was not late. Brock Lesnar became the heavyweight champion of the UFC after this fight.
Watch This Story: Five times Alex Pereira Mocked Israel Adesanya ahead of UFC 281
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Brock Lesnar’s bleeding nose and the damage he inflicts on Randy Couture are evidence of the intensity of the fight. Another user expressed his dismay at how late the referee stopped the fight.
Jeez could the ref wait any longer. He's prob a vegetable now.
— Mr Happy (@RazorDon1) November 15, 2022
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A lot of fans may feel the fight was stopped earlier than needed. Experts and critics, however, supported Goddard’s decision. What’s your take on the controversial stoppage?
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