Israel Adesanya reveals major knee injury before UFC 287 knockout win

Israel Adesanya fought through a major knee injury just 10 days before his iconic knockout win over Alex Pereira at UFC 287. The former UFC middleweight champion revealed the injury on the Precision podcast with Demetrious Johnson, detailing how he nearly pulled out of the fight.

What happened at UFC 287?

Adesanya entered the rematch against Pereira with a 0-3 record against him, including a loss at UFC 281 just months earlier. Despite the odds, Adesanya delivered one of the most memorable knockouts in UFC history, stopping Pereira with a devastating combination. The fight took place on April 8, 2023, in Miami.

How did the injury affect Adesanya?

The Nigerian-born fighter suffered a 'really bad' right knee injury just 10 days before the bout. Adesanya admitted he considered withdrawing but pushed through, knowing the fight held personal significance. 'A lot of people were banking on this fight,' he said. 'If I didn’t get the opportunity to do that fight, then I might never have gotten that opportunity again.'

Why did Adesanya risk it?

Adesanya explained that the fight was more than just a title bout-it was personal. He was determined to reclaim the middleweight championship and silence critics. His victory not only secured the belt but also cemented his legacy with a highlight-reel knockout.

What’s next for Adesanya?

Since UFC 287, Adesanya has faced struggles, including a recent split from his longtime gym, City Kickboxing. His last fight was a TKO loss to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle. As he prepares for his next bout, fans wonder if the former champion can reclaim his dominance in the middleweight division.