Israel Adesanya blamed referee Marc Goddard after losing in the fifth round by TKO to Alex Pereira to lose the world middleweight title in UFC 281Sunday (13/11).
Adesanya should be able to defend his world title after predictably winning on points over four rounds against Pereira at UFC 281.
However, midway through the fifth round, the New Zealand fighter was disorganized after receiving a series of punches from Pereira. Referee Goddard then awarded Periera a TKO victory in the fifth round 2min 1sec.
“I’m grateful to have an extraordinary life. This is an extraordinary moment. It’s crazy. But I’m fine. The first thing I said to the referee was that I’m fine. Since my condition is still clear, I can still fight, but an unfortunate thing of fate happened,” Adesanya said MMA news.
“I’m not happy with the referee’s decision. I’ve talked to the coaches and I trust them. But I’m fine. I still see everything happening. My eyes may have rolled back a bit, but my condition is clear “. said Adesanya.
Adesanya said Goddard’s decision cost him the UFC world middleweight title, a title he had held since 2019.
“Ah, damn it. My ego wants to say: ‘At least let me defend myself.’ I don’t think I lost, because I’m still there,” Adesanya said.
“I’ve seen worse refereeing decisions. But damn it, reports Steve Mazzagatti [mantan wasit UFC]. I’m fine. Pereira may have won the fifth round, but I should still be world champion” Adesanya said.
This was Adesanya’s third loss to Pereira, with the other two in kickboxing events. The bloody Nigerian fight also required a rematch against Pereira in the UFC.
“Of course I want a rematch. Come on, I’m used to it. This is my third fight in 10 months. I’m a boxing champion who always takes risks,” Adesanya said.
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