Kickboxing: Izzy's knockout UFC debut

Ex-pat Whanganui fighter Israel Adesanya called out the entire UFC middleweight division after his second round disposal of Rob Wilkinson in his debut fight for the company yesterday.

Former Whanganui fighter Israel Adesanya left his mark with his feet, hands and mouth at the Perth Arena with a second round TKO over tough Sydney fighter Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221 yesterday afternoon, NZ time.

The 28-year-old kickboxer Adesanya (12-0) was making his much hyped UFC debut on the preliminary card against the 25-year-old grappler Wilkinson (11-2), who as expected looked to get a hold of the lanky Nigerian-born striker and press him into the cage.

Adesanya remained calm under pressure, and managed to either block Wilkinson's take down attempts or use his athletic and tall frame to twist out and up – regaining his feet immediately and frustrating Wilkinson, who could not get on top to cause damage.

The Aussie was relentless, desperately trying to hold Adesanya's neck, foot or waist every time the favourite popped back up and looked to get away from him and create some distance for his dangerous strikes.

It appeared an early blow may have broken Wilkinson's nose as the blood flowed freely as he soon began to tire, while Adesanya even showed the skill to do an entire forward roll across the octagon with the Australian clinging to him to create another takedown escape.

Adesanya then stuffed or scooted away from virtually every Wilkinson attempt at a double-leg takedown to begin the second round, as he began to measure his opponent with the long jab and then rapid combinations with knees and punches.

Physically spent, Wilkinson began to cover up and lay on the cage as Adesanya, barely even sweating, began to pound on him non-stop, using the punch to the ribs to set up knee strikes and then more heavy straight punches.

The referee was watching closely and as the bloodied Wilkinson began to slowly sink down the cage under the barrage, the official stepped in to wave the fight off at 3m 37s of Round 2.

Adesanya wasted no time in his post-fight interview to make it clear to the UFC's other fighters that he was here to stay.

"It's been a long time, definitely [to get here].

"It's been a few years and I had some other things to take care of, but I'm here now.

"All you middleweights...I see you creeping on my Instagram, but then I'm backstage and you act like you don't know me.

"Well, you know me now."

Adesanya praised Wilkinson, who he claimed took the fight after four others had turned it down.

He had felt at home in the octagon and scoffed at the suggestion of being under pressure in his hyped debut.

"The pressure makes diamonds – you know what it is.

"Middleweights, I'm the new dog in this yard, and I just pissed all over this cage."