After a 5 round competitive decision, that turned an entire audience against him, Izzy successfully defended his title Saturday night. But on that same night, Alex Pereira, who defeated Israel twice in kickboxing, viciously KOed number 4 ranked Sean Strickland in just 1 round. If you think Alex was impressive, you’re wrong according to Izzy. Apparently Adesanya’s “Masterclass” against Cannonier was more impressive than the absolute dominant first round KO by Alex.
“Nah, not really (impressed). It’s just Sean Strickland is, ‘parry, parry.’ Oh, that’s easy to go, ‘boom, left hook.’ I wasn’t impressed. I wasn’t really impressed by my performance because of the expectations I put on myself. But, it was still a master class,”
“I am not the same fighter I was back then,” Adesanya said. “I’ve learned and matured from that fight. So, I know what I can do. Like I said, I had an off night. When I fight him I am going to make sure I’m on.”
Pereira is expected to be next in line to face Israel, at a date to be determined. Not only does Pereira have far more impressive kickboxing credentials, he’s also 2-0 against Adesanya including one vicious KO.
Photo credit: Glory Kickboxing