Israel Adesanya brushed aside the challenge of Jared Cannonier in a masterclass of technical precision at UFC 276.

The middleweight champion's clash with his American challenger never quite ignited and Cannonier struggled to lay a finger on the elusive Kiwi for large sections of the contest.

Adesanya, who thrilled fans with a homage to WWE star The Undertaker in his walkout, was too fast and intelligent for his challenger but whet the appetite for his next defence.

Israel Adesanya defeated Jared Cannonier to retain his middleweight title at UFC 276 in Las Vegas
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Israel Adesanya defeated Jared Cannonier to retain his middleweight title at UFC 276 in Las Vegas

Cannonier was unable to overcome the slick technician and struggled, particularly early on in the bout
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Cannonier was unable to overcome the slick technician and struggled, particularly early on in the bout

Adesanya had a face like thunder afterwards despite the win and admitted his opponent's gameplan was tricky
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Adesanya had a face like thunder afterwards despite the win and admitted his opponent's gameplan was tricky

Adesanya was the more accurate striker and controlled the proceedings from range throughout
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Adesanya was the more accurate striker and controlled the proceedings from range throughout


'The first time I had you on skates, next time I'll have you Frozen, like Elsa', he said to Alex Pereira - the only man to have ever knocked him out - who obliterated Sean Strickland earlier in the night to earn what will inevitably be a title shot.


The compelling narrative was pushed forward when the UFC decided to match Pereira up on the same card in only his third UFC fight.

He holds two kickboxing wins, including the heavy KO, against Adesanya, adding a real layer of interest to the prospective bout.

Pereira has looked brilliant in his MMA career so far and possesses the kind of lethal power that may trouble the champion where all others have failed.

'Many people talk about my two wins over Israel Adesanya and say that was just in kickboxing,' he said afterwards. 'I just beat the number 4 ranked guy so I know I earned that!'

Alex Pereira (right) knocked out Sean Strickland with a nasty left hook for a statement victory
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Alex Pereira (right) knocked out Sean Strickland with a nasty left hook for a statement victory

Pereira has huge power and showed again what a talented striker he is against the division's No 4
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Pereira has huge power and showed again what a talented striker he is against the division's No 4

The build-up for that highly-anticipated contest will start immediately and another Antipodean star shone in the co-main event of the evening too.

Alexander Volkanovski put any debate to bed by cruising past Max Holloway in their trilogy bout. Having snagged their second bout controversially on the scorecards, the Australian left the judges and fans with no doubts this time.

Holloway has now been beaten three times by 'The Great' and his legacy has been dented now the champion has clearly been proved to be the better fighter.

Volkanovksi has dominated the division to the extent that he was talking about moving up to lightweight and he wants to juggle both classes at the same time.

Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title with a routine win over Max Holloway in the co-main event
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Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title with a routine win over Max Holloway in the co-main event

Holloway was bloodied and battered after Volkanovski showed how he held the speed advantage in the fight
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Holloway was bloodied and battered after Volkanovski showed how he held the speed advantage in the fight

The champion posed with his team and family in the Octagon after beating Holloway for a third time
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The champion posed with his team and family in the Octagon after beating Holloway for a third time

He has a height disadvantage at 145-pounds already so might be biting off more than he can chew with Charles Oliveira and Co but it will be fascinating to see.

A key moment in the fight against Holloway came when he opened up a cut just under the Hawaiian's eyebrow the caused extensive bleeding.

Life was already tough for the challenger and made it even harder against the man with a speed advantage. Ultimately, Volkanovski proved his class and can head back Down Under to a hero's welcome.

Elsewhere, Donald Cerrone called time on his UFC career after losing to Bryan Barberena. He said he wants to pursue Hollywood and does not feel the hunger to compete anymore.

Irish rising star Ian Garry notched up a third win in the organisation to stay unbeaten after a unanimous decision over Gabe Green.

Donald Cerrone called it a day and walked out of the cage with his two young sons in his arms
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Donald Cerrone called it a day and walked out of the cage with his two young sons in his arms

Ian Garry (left) beat Gabe Green to move to 10-0 following another impressive striking performance
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Ian Garry (left) beat Gabe Green to move to 10-0 following another impressive striking performance

Lalasticlala mynd44 mukina2
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/live/article-10972943/Israel-Adesanya-vs-Jared-Cannonier-UFC-276-2022-Live-Resullt.html

This guy win is fuelled by the fact that he is Nigerian. Too much frustration