UFC 281 results: Alex Pereira conquers Israel Adesanya yet again to become new UFC middleweight champion

Alex Pereira defeated Israel Adesanya for a third time at UFC 281 to be crowned the new UFC middleweight champion. 'Poatan' dethroned Adesanya with a fifth-round TKO win in the Mecca of combat sports, the Madison Square Garden.

While Pereira and Adesanya went toe-to-toe in the opening frame, 'The Last Stylebender' almost finished his opponent in the closing seconds of the round.

​

Shakiel Mahjouri

@Shak_Fu

Israel Adesanya nearly finishes Alex Pereira at the VERY last moment of Round 1 at #UFC281

671

161

Israel Adesanya nearly finishes Alex Pereira at the VERY last moment of Round 1 at #UFC281 https://t.co/bnEIUXJfZ3

The second round was competitive as well, with 'Poatan' arguably stealing the round with a last-minute takedown.

'The Last Stylebender' returned the favor in round 3, scoring the first official takedown of his UFC career. Adesanya controlled Pereira for most of the round as the visibly exhausted Brazilian failed to get back on his feet.

But 'Poatan' dug deep into the reserve of his gas tank, putting the pressure on Israel Adesanya in the championship rounds. 'The Last Stylebender' in return, tried to clinch an slow the action down, being well aware of the danger posed by his opponent.

However, Pereira's signature left hook found its mark in the final round, wobbling Adesanya. The Brazilian followed it up with a lethal barrage of punches on a defenseless Adesanya, forcing referee Marc Doddard to step in.

Watch the finishing sequence below:

​

Spinnin Backfist

@SpinninBackfist

AND NEW ALEX PEREIRA KNOCKS OUT ISRAEL ADESANYA IN ROUND FIVE #UFC281

17041

4890

AND NEW ALEX PEREIRA KNOCKS OUT ISRAEL ADESANYA IN ROUND FIVE #UFC281 https://t.co/Dvq8eIpUFV

UFC

@ufc

The Poatan Era is 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 #AndNew

[ @AlexPereiraUFC | #UFC281 | B2YB @TulsaKing ]

2189

472

The Poatan Era is 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 👑 #AndNew

[ @AlexPereiraUFC | #UFC281 | B2YB @TulsaKing ] https://t.co/jZja5krX2O

​