UFC 287 LIVE: Adesanya knocks out Pereira – result

That is what it looks like to exorcise a demon.

Adesanya suffered a controversial points loss to Pereira in their first fight, a kickboxing match. In their rematch, also in kickboxing, Adesanya was leading but was knocked out. In November, in their first MMA clash, again Adesanya was ahead, but he was beaten in the final round.

Tonight, on his fourth attempt, he finally gets his win over Pereira, and in stunning fashion.

Israel Adesanya def. Alex Pereira via second-round KO (punches, 4:21).

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Pereira was unleashing body hooks and a knee to the head, with Adesanya backed against the cage, when the challenger threw a right hook out of nowhere!!

It froze Pereira, so similarly to the end of Round 1 in their last fight, but this time there was no buzzer to save Pereira; the next punch dropped him, and he was out cold after a hammer fist.

Adesanya then celebrated by imitating firing arrows at his rival.

Round 2

Pereira just leans back far enough to avoid a head kick. He hops towards Adesanya and narrowly misses with a right hook.

Adesanya is being stalked here. His left leg buckles after a low kick from the champion!

Now Pereira unloads punches to the body! Is Adesanya in trouble?!

NO! HE KNOCKS PEREIRA OUT COLD WITH A RIGHT HOOK!

Round 2

Pereira gets right after Adesanya! An uppercut gets through, then a hook!

Adesanya is backed up against the fence, where he lost the last fight... His eyes are wide...

He lands a right hand now, though! Pereira blocks a head kick.

Adesanya looks to stay confident, coming forward and trying some lead right hooks from that southpaw stance.

Now a left lands for the challenger! And another...

Round 1

Lots of low kicks from both men early on. Adesanya looks to get behind the jab, standing southpaw at the moment.

This has been a cagey start. Adesanya just about leans back to avoid a head kick, before landing a jab. A right cross is just out of range for the challenger.

The next effort is better from Adesanya, but Pereira responds with more leg kicks.

Adesanya kicks low and hard again, then targets the body with a kick. He repeats the same sequence now.

Adesanya with a solid left cross, but Pereira plays it down. Another leg kick from the Brazilian.

No touch of gloves... Here we go!!!

Bruce Buffer with the fighter introductions...

Now here comes Pereira, who TKOed Adesanya in November and holds a points win and knockout over the Nigerian-New Zealander from their kickboxing days.

Ominous music as the champion emerges.