Alex Pereira speculates Israel Adesanya may have had an injury during his title fight with Dricus Du Plessis in Perth

25/08/2024 19:45

Alex Pereira suspects Israel Adesanaya may have suffered an injury in the middle of his UFC championship fight with Dricus Du Plessis.

Despite a valiant effort, ‘The Last Stylebender’ failed to recapture his middleweight belt.

Alex Pereira claims Israel Adesanya could’ve been injured at UFC 305

On August 17, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, Israel Adesanya collided with Dricus Du Plessis in one of the biggest fights of the year.

The all-African grudge match meant the world to both men, with the pair of sporting titans going above and beyond in the build-up to get the better of the trash talk.

Therefore, it came as no surprise that the fight ignited the second they set foot in the cage. However, despite showing glimmers of his brilliant best, Adesanya ultimately fell foul to the relentless work rate of his opponent.

Utilizing his ferocious engine, the South African continued to apply pressure until his nemesis could fight back no more. In the fourth round, ‘Stillknocks’ locked in the face crank to retain his title.

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However, Alex Pereira, who was studying the fight closely, believes a lack of leg kicks indicates that his old rival may have been struggling due to more than just Du Plessis’ gas tank.

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, he said: “Of course, I don’t know how Adesanya was. When we are there, we don’t talk about injuries, don’t talk about problems.

“We are there. We want to fight, want to win—no excuses. Maybe Adesanya had an injury. You could see he kicked very little.

“That inside kick of Adesanya’s is very good. Not everyone can do that, but he can do it very well. It was a good weapon and he didn’t continue doing that inside kick.

“Even Dricus said it bothered him; it also bothered me. He didn’t continue to do it. When he is only throwing hands, I think it’s easier for the opponent to protect themselves or get out.”

Israel Adesanya made history at UFC 305

While the former 2x 185-pound champion couldn’t find a way to defeat Du Plessis, he still came away from the event with a smile on his face.

Rather than letting the negativity get him down, the gifted athlete turned up to the press conference in a joyous mood.

In front of the eyes of the media in attendance and indeed the fans watching around the world, the Nigerian-born sportsman answered all the questions like a consummate professional.

He also revealed that he made history on not just one but two counts

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