In recognition of his stunning second-round knockout victory over Alex Pereira in April 2023, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has added another feather to his cap by clinching the prestigious MMA Junkie Knockout of The Year Award.
While Adesanya has previously claimed multiple accolades in the mixed martial arts arena, including Newcomer of The Year, Fight of The Year, and Male Fighter of The Year, the Knockout of The Year title had eluded him until now. The April clash with Pereira marked their second encounter in the UFC and fourth in combat sports, with Pereira holding a 3-0 lead prior to the bout.
In a dramatic turn of events, Adesanya secured victory in the April showdown, becoming a two-time middleweight champion and also earning the Performance of The Night award at UFC 287. The knockout itself unfolded after a fierce leg kick battle in the first round, followed by a more aggressive exchange in the second.
Adesanya’s precise and powerful right-hand shots sealed the deal, making him the clear recipient of the ‘Knockout of The Year’ accolade. The victory was attributed to both technical prowess and the compelling narrative surrounding the rivalry.
This triumph not only allowed Adesanya to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship but also marked his first win against Pereira in their four-fight history across combat sports. The Nigerian-born fighter made history as the eighth UFC athlete to attain two-time champion status.
However, Adesanya’s momentum faced a setback on September 10, 2023, at UFC 293, where he faced Sean Strickland. In a major upset, he lost the bout via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 49–46.
