Israel Adesanya was in relatively good spirits following his first UFC title fight loss.
“The Last Stylebender” relinquished the UFC middleweight championship to Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 281 after being finished via strikes two minutes into the final round. Had Adesanya hung on, it’s likely that he would have won a decision – barring any 10-8 scores – as he was up on all three scorecards heading into the fifth frame.
Still, Adesanya made it clear at UFC 281 post-fight press conference that he doesn’t feel he was in serious danger when the bout was waved off.
“I’m grateful,” Adesanya said. “What a life, what a moment. F****** crazy, isn’t it? The same as the [I fought Pereira in kickboxing], story. It’s crazy. It was all fine. First, I told [coach Eugene Bareman] and the ref that I was fine. I was still clear. I was in there, but s*** happens.”
Adesanya stopped short of outright criticizing the referee’s decision, only reiterating that he felt he would have been able to continue despite being hurt.
“No. I spoke to my coaches [about the stoppage], and they trust me,” Adesanya stated. “I trust them. But I was fine, I could see everything. My eyes might have rolled back a little bit, but I was lucid.”
It was the first stoppage loss of Adesanya’s MMA career, but the second time that Pereira finished him with strikes; the new champion defeated Adesanya with a vicious knockout punch when they met in the kickboxing ring five years ago.
Adesanya gave Pereira credit for his injuries to his legs in the early fight. This was what eventually led to the fight’s end. He added Pereira’s kicks had an effect on his peroneal nerve.
“It was just my leg,” Adesanya said. “My leg gave away and it was really annoying, but again, kudos to him because he invested in those. I did the same thing to him, his leg’s f*****, but yeah, he just got me better.”
Prior to Saturday’s loss, Adesanya had won seven straight championship fights at 185 pounds, with his lone UFC loss being a light heavyweight title challenge of then-champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259.
It’s common for UFC matchmakers to immediately book rematches in case of long-standing champions being eliminated. Adesanya believes his case will be no exception.
“Adesanya replied when asked whether he was expecting a rematch. “I’ve been doing this – this is my third fight in 10 months. You guys consider me a prestigious fighter. I’m afraid I might lose what they regard as the title. It’s not my intention to lose it. I want to win once, then do the lap around, and be crowned champion. I put it on the line and this is what happens. Again, dare to be great, and I am.”
Evoking the name of a former referee that was often criticized by UFC President Dana White, Adesanya did have one amusing suggestion as to how his bout could have ended differently
“F***, my ego would say at least let me go out on my shield,” Adesanya said. But I doubt I’d have gone because I was still there. I’ve seen worse stoppages. F****** bring back Steve Mazzagatti. I would have been fine. [Pereira] may have won this round, but I would still be the champion .”
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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/11/13/23455916/israel-adesanya-i-was-fine-when-ufc-281-main-event-was-stopped-bring-back-steve-mazzagatti?rand=96749
