Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Derek Brunson at UFC 230. Photo / Getty Images
Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Derek Brunson at UFC 230. Photo / Getty Images
It was supposed to be his toughest test since joining the UFC. Instead, Kiwi Israel Adesanya had his fastest finish yet.
The 29-year-old middleweight made light work of American Derek Brunson, knocking out the UFC's No 6 ranked fighter with mere seconds left in the first round.
After the twotalked big games ahead of the bout, Adesanya delivered in emphatic fashion to maintain his unbeaten record. Brunson, a strong grappler, tried to take the fight to the ground from the outset but wasn't able to catch the slithery Adesanya.
It was an unexpected approach from Brunson so early in the fight. Though Adesanya had the advantage in a striking battle, many expected Brunson to play the striking game early on and look to use his power for the win.
However, the American dove in for Adesanya's legs early, and the ever-adjustable Kiwi looked for his opening.
Israel Adesanya catches Derek Brunson with a knee to set up a knockout win at UFC230. Photo / Getty Images
After avoiding six takedown attempts from Brunson, Adesanya struck on the seventh - connecting with a powerful knee to Brunson's chin as the American dove in.
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 answered that question rather quickly, knocking Brunson down twice more before referee Herb Dean stopped the fight.
With the win, Adesanya became the first fighter in the UFC to win four bouts in 2018. It was Adesanya's 13th win by knockout, and the 15th straight win of his professional mixed martial arts career. The win also sees the City Kickboxing stable maintain their perfect record in the UFC this year, with seven wins in as many bouts.
"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 in the bout. After getting a couple of takedowns and controlling the fight on the mat in the first round, he was able to finish it off in the second.
