Israel Adesanya proved his doubters wrong once and for all after a second-round knockout win over his arch-rival Alex Pereira at UC 287. He was visibly very happy after overcoming the biggest hurdle of his MMA career. Adesanya even recited one of the boxing legend, Muhammad Ali‘s quotes, after the fight.

There were a lot of fans who weren’t confident about ‘The Last Stylebender’ defeating Pereira last weekend. However, after a definitive knockout win, Adesanya proved that he is one of the best middleweights ever in the history of the UFC.

Israel Adesanya recites a quote from Muhammad Ali’s playbook

Israel Adesanya was happy and excited during the post-fight press conference in Miami. He talked about the fight, and his opponent and recited one of Muhammad Ali‘s quotes. ‘The Last Stylebender’ said, “Thank you, thank you. Mashallah. Bismillah. Rumble, young man, rumble. I shook up the world. I made stone bleed.” He added, “Tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail.”

Adesanya has been an entertaining character, and it was only fitting that he’d talk about the legendary Muhammad Ali after his massive win. Many people have shared their reactions to ‘Izzy’ quoting Ali on social media.

Fans react to Adesanya’s Muhammad Ali moment

Many fans gave Adesanya the credit he deserved for facing his biggest rival.

“Made stone sleep”

“Perira whole family needs therapy after that KO”

“Izzy has had a tremendous career”

“Gotta give credit when it’s due”

“Casual fans forgot he’s still 1-3 dude thinks he’s somebody”

“For Muhammad, it was not just a speech, it was a vessel filled with meaning”

“Love Izzy but I hate when athletes attach themselves to Ali. You are not Muhammad Ali. You don’t do the charity he did or speak up like he did. It’s unbecoming.”

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UFC fans were amused at how Adesanya delivered Ali’s quote and commended him for his impressive MMA career. They have given him credit for his impressive performance in knocking out Alex Pereira. However, one fan claimed that Adesanya’s three losses will never be forgotten.

Regardless of what people have to say, Adesanya has forged his success as one of the best middleweight fighters that the UFC has ever seen. We are yet to know about whom he will be fighting next. Fans will have to wait and see what the UFC president has in store for the fans.

WATCH THIS STORY: Alex Pereira left in tears as Israel Adesanya knocks him out at UFC 287