With a dominating performance, Israel Adesanya reclaimed his title and earned some vengeance at UFC 287.
Adesanya bested Alex Pereira for the middleweight title live from Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida.
The end of the fight came in the second round when the former champion connected, finishing off his long-time rival. Pereira had scored wins in kickboxing and for the UFC title over Adesanya in the first two meetings.
In the co-main event, Gilbert Burns topped Jorge Masvidal, who announced his retirement after the fight.
Rob Font, Kevin Holland and Christian Rodriguez were the other main card winners.
On the prelims, Kelvin Gastelum topped Chris Curtis. The bout earned “Fight of the Night” honors, while Adesanya and Font picked up “Performance of the NIght” bonuses.
UFC 287 Results
Israel Adesanya def. Alex Pereira via KO (strike) at 4:21 of Round 2 to win the UFC middleweight title
Gilbert Burns def. Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision
Rob Font def. Adrian Yanez via TKO (strikes) at 2:57 of Round 1
Kevin Holland def. Santiago Pozinibbio via KO (strike) at 3:16 of Round 3
Christian Rodriguez def. Raul Rosasa Jr. via unanimous decision
Kelvin Gastelum def. Chris Curtis via unanimous decision
Luana Pinheiro def. Michelle Waterson via split decision
Joe Pyfer def. Gerald Meerschaert via TKO (strikes) at 3:15 of Round 1
Lupita Godinez def. Cynthia Calvilo via split decision
Ignacio Bahamondes def. Trey Ogden via unanimous decision
Steve Garcia def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via KO (strike) at :36 of Round 2
Sam Hughes def. Jaqueline Amorim via unanimous decision
