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Israel Adesanya KO by Alex Pereira in middleweight title at UFC 281
In the main event of UFC 281 from Madison Square Garden, Alex Pereira defeated Israel Adesanya via fifth-round technical knockout to cap a meteoric rise to the UFC middleweight championship.
Both fighters jumped right into the fight without any delay. Like you would expect from seasoned adversaries, the two traded blows in the opening round.
Pereira was more often the aggressor, but Adesanya was quick with counters of his own. The Last Stylebender’s flush right hand and left hook at the very end of the round, which might have ended the fight if the bell hadn’t sounded, marked the most notable exchange of the round.
Pereira successfully recovered and had plenty of strong moments in the second round. He scored early and often with a stiff jab and even ended the round with a surprise takedown.
In the third round, it was Adesanya’s turn to showcase his grappling skills in a rare display. He scored a takedown off the clinch and spent a lot of the round with control of Pereira’s back.
Through the fourth round, Adesanya seemed to be on autopilot, but in the fifth, Pereira put a stop to that notion by pummeling Adesanya with several hard punches, including a left hook that brought to mind their kickboxing match.
Pereira continues to have Adesanya’s number across combat sports. The Brazilian won both encounters between the two men in the kickboxing ring, knocking Adesanya out in the second.
It turns out that Pereira’s kickboxing and strength have translated perfectly to the MMA cage.
Pereira only needed seven professional fights and three wins in the UFC to earn a crack at Adesanya. Now, he’s the champion.
The defeat puts an end to Adesanya’s stout hold on the middleweight division. He was going for his sixth consecutive title defence and will likely have an immediate rematch if he wants it.
However, Pereira predicted before the fight it isn’t something the Nigerian will be interested in.
“It makes no difference who they want to put after [to challenge for the belt],” Pereira said in an interview with the website, MMA Junkie. “He deserves it, but after this fight, he isn’t going to want it.”
Adesanya has a strong sense of competition, so it’s difficult to imagine him passing up a fourth chance to defeat a foe who has consistently been a pain in his side.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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