UFC free fight: Israel Adesanya exercises his demons with vicious KO of Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya scored one of the most devastating knockout of the year thus far when he regained gold from Alex Pereira in April.

After losing three times previously to Pereira – twice in kickboxing and once in MMA – Adesanya had all the pressure on his shoulders going into April’s UFC 287 headliner in Miami. He delivered with a resounding highlight-reel finish in the second round, sending the Miami crowd into frenzy.

Adesanya (24-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) will attempt to get his second run as 185-pound champ off a strong start on Sept. 9, when he puts the belt on the line against challenger Sean Strickland (27-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) in the main event of UFC 293 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN.

Before Adesanya steps back in the octagon, the UFC has posted the full fight video of his memorable encounter with Pereira that was one of the most significant moments in a decorated combat sports career.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 293.