Nigerian- New Zealand UFC Middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya was given a heroic welcome in New Zealand following his success in reclaiming his belt against Brazilian Alex Pereira.
In a video making rounds on different social media platforms, the UFC Middleweight Champion was spotted out of one of his luxury cars, to appreciate the unprecedented welcome by his fans.
The hometown supporters in Auckland, New Zealand, staged a traditional Haka dance while demonstrating it, as a mark of respect for Adesanya’s achievement.
Adesanya, who grew up in New Zealand, was moved by the ceremony, through his gestures.
There are very few athletes who have been welcomed in such a manner as Adesanya, News About Nigeria gathered.
The ceremony brought central Auckland to a standstill as locals celebrated their hometown hero’s triumphant return, fresh off his title defence and long-awaited revenge against Pereira.
Recall that Adesanya brutally knocked out Alex Pereira in their UFC 287 rematch.
The Last Stylebender was also beaten twice by Pereira, losing a controversial decision to his bitter rival in their 2016 meeting before being brutally knocked out again, by him in their rematch the following year.
Adesanya’s overhand right punch, staggered the Brazilian, with ‘Stylebender’ landing another right hand that floored his rival.
Pereira was unconscious as he hit the canvas and Adesanya landed one follow-up punch before referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight, declaring.
After the UFC 287, Adesanya in a media interview said “the hunter is now the hunted. They said revenge is sweet and if you know me I’ve got a sweet tooth,”
