Daniel Cormier was very impressed with Israel Adesanya’s performance at UFC 287.
The UFC returned to Miami, Florida for the first time in over 20 years this past weekend for the UFC 287 event. The main event was a much-anticipated rematch between champion Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya. With a history of bad blood between these two men, Adesanya was looking to finally defeat Pereira for the first time in three meetings, twice in kickboxing and once in MMA. He was able to do just that as he handed Pereira a knockout in the second round to regain his middleweight title.
Looking on from the sidelines was former UFC champion, Daniel Cormier. He was there calling the fights and was astounded by what he saw in Adesanya. He explained the changes he noticed in Adesanya leading up to the event and throughout the fight on YouTube.
“We spoke to him earlier in the week and I asked, ‘What do you have to do to get the monkey off your back with this guy?’ What do you have to do in order to beat Alex Pereira for the first time?’ He said, ‘Daniel, you will not believe the preparation I have done to myself up here (points to head). And through these (fists)’, and it showed,” Cormier said. “He was different all week. He wasn’t joking. He wasn’t playing. He was very short with his answers. He was all the way locked in the entire time. Tonight there was no fun walk-out. There was no dancing. It was only Israel Adesanya coming to complete a job. He said it was an “Eight Mile” moment. I’m a dog. I’m ready. He did exactly what he said he was going to do. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Adesanya more aggressive in his approach.”
Daniel Cormier explains why Israel Adesanya’s win at UFC 287 was historic
Cormier was not the only one astounded by Adesanya’s performance. Fans all over the world took to social media to sing their praises for the newly crowned champion. Cormier has had his fair share of success in the UFC Octagon. He made history by being the first man to hold both the UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight belts at the same time. Now he is giving some insight into why this win by Adesnaya was historic in its own right.
“The king is back on top, as Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira to once again become the middleweight champion of the world. It’s unprecedented, we’ve never had this before. He is now the first two-time UFC middleweight champion and he did it in resounding fashion.”
It is unclear at this time whether Adesanya and Pereira will ever meet again. There is interest from fans but it seems as though Adesanya would like to move on and defend his title against someone else. He even urged Pereira to move up to light heavyweight.
