The UFC has witnessed many unforgettable fights, but Reinier de Ridder believes Israel Adesanya’s knockout of Alex Pereira stands as the greatest MMA moment to date. This victory, which came after a fierce rivalry and a comeback, was made even more memorable by Adesanya’s heartfelt post-fight celebration and speech, marking a defining event in UFC history.
Reinier de Ridder’s Admiration for Adesanya’s Historic Victory
Reinier de Ridder holds Israel Adesanya in high regard for his remarkable career and sees the win over Pereira as one of MMA’s finest moments. Unlike typical rivalry motivations, de Ridder emphasizes respect over hatred when talking about what drives him toward a fight. He points to Adesanya’s unique style and the way he turned the tide against Pereira as key reasons for his reverence and interest in competing against him.
De Ridder expressed,
“If I really admire a guy like I did with Whittaker, that’d be a better reason to fight somebody than that I hate. Somebody like Adesanya, I admire him a lot for what he’s done in the sport. He still has the best story ever, defeating Pereira in that last fight. The way he fights is so exquisite. That’d be a better reason for me to fight somebody.”
—Reinier de Ridder
Joe Rogan Highlights the Emotional Power of Adesanya’s Post-Fight Speech
Many fans and fighters share de Ridder’s view, including commentator Joe Rogan, who reflected on the emotional impact of Adesanya’s speech after the knockout on his podcast. Rogan described the moment as having a cinematic quality, noting how genuine and unscripted Adesanya’s words were, which elevated the scene beyond a typical post-fight interview.
The Knockout That Defined a Rivalry
During the rematch, Adesanya initially faced intense pressure, but his composure allowed him to seize a perfect opportunity late in the fight. He landed a sharp counter right hand on Alex Pereira that ended the match instantly. This knockout not only demonstrated Adesanya’s precise timing and skill but also solidified his comeback in their fierce rivalry.
The Long-Lasting Significance of Adesanya’s Triumph
This iconic moment has resonated deeply within the MMA community, symbolizing resilience and mastery in the sport. As fighters like Reinier de Ridder look up to Adesanya’s achievement, it inspires a new level of respect and ambition inside the UFC. Moving forward, this victory and the story behind it will continue to influence fighters and fans alike, raising the bar for what defines the Israel Adesanya greatest MMA moment.