Walk in the Garden
Kiwi UFC star still unbeaten
Israel Adesanya put on the most impressive performance of his UFC career but was only days away from withdrawing from the fight. The 29-year-old middleweight made light work of American Derek Brunson, knocking out the UFC’s No 6-ranked fighter late in the first round of yesterday’s bout at Madison Square Garden in New York.
However, the undefeated Kiwi fighter revealed at the post-fight press conference a knee injury suffered in preparation for the bout almost saw him pull out of the card.
“I was limping,” Adesanya said. “My knee was so inflamed.”
Adesanya showed no signs of any issues inside the octagon though, as he put on a clinic to defeat Brunson with about 10 seconds to go in the opening round.
After the two talked big games ahead of the bout, Adesanya delivered in emphatic fashion to maintain his unbeaten record. Brunson, a strong grappler, tried — and failed — to take the fight to the ground from the outset.
It was an unexpected approach — though Adesanya had the advantage in a striking battle, many expected Brunson to play the striking game and look to use his power for the win.
However, the American dived for Adesanya’s legs early, and the Kiwi looked for his opening.
After avoiding six takedown attempts from Brunson, Adesanya struck on the seventh — connecting with a powerful knee to Brunson’s chin.
The blow sent Brunson to the floor and though he got back to his feet, he was clearly stunned, and the only question was whether there was enough time left in the round for Adesanya to finish the job.
The Kiwi gave the answer quickly, knocking Brunson down twice more before referee Herb Dean stepped in.
With the victory, Adesanya became the first fighter in the UFC to win four bouts in 2018.
It was his 13th win by knockout and the 15th straight of his professional mixed martial arts career.
“That was a B-plus for me really,” Adesanya said of his performance after the fight.
“But this was a walk in the park . . . no, this was a walk in the garden. Madison, baby.”
The win will see the Kiwi rise up the rankings, with a spot inside the top five on the cards.
In the main event, Daniel Cormier retained his UFC heavyweight title with a second-round submission win over Derrick Lewis. Cormier used his superior wrestling skills to full advantage. After getting a couple of takedowns and controlling the fight on the mat in the first round, he was able to finish it in the second.