Alex Pereira has told rival Israel Adesanya that the referee "saved his life" by stopping their UFC title fight in the final round.
Adesanya was looking to defend his UFC middleweight title at UFC 281 against long-term rival Pereira in New York last weekend, but was stopped in the final round. Pereira inflicted a third defeat on Adesanya throughout his career in combat sports, with the Nigerian having already lost twice to 'Poatan' during their days in the kickboxing ranks.
After reflecting on the contest Adesanya claimed he was disappointed with referee Marc Goddard for bringing the fight to a halt before the bell, demanding that previous official Steve Mazzagatti is in place for future fights. However Pereira has hit out at his rival's "excuses' and wants him to accept defeat ahead of another rematch.
