Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya finds himself at a career crossroads after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The shocking defeat marks Adesanya’s third consecutive loss, further complicating his path back to the top of the division.
Adesanya, who had been under immense pressure following previous losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, entered the fight as the betting favorite.
However, Imavov, a rising French contender of Dagestani descent, proved to be more than up to the challenge, delivering the biggest victory of his career with a devastating second-round knockout.
The bout began with Adesanya employing his signature striking, utilizing sharp low kicks to weaken Imavov’s lead leg while maintaining his usual elusive movement. Despite Adesanya’s early success, Imavov remained undeterred, pressing forward aggressively and cutting off Adesanya’s angles.
Midway through the second round, Imavov’s persistence paid off. After absorbing a heavy right hand from the former champion, Adesanya momentarily steadied himself but was unable to maintain control.
Sensing an opening, Imavov unleashed a powerful shovel hook that snapped Adesanya’s head back, setting the stage for the fight’s dramatic finish.
With just over a minute left in the round, Imavov landed another thunderous right hand, sending Adesanya crashing to the canvas.
Wasting no time, the Frenchman followed up with a vicious left uppercut and a flurry of ground-and-pound strikes. Referee Marc Goddard quickly intervened, stopping the fight and awarding Imavov a statement victory.
The crowd at the AnB Arena, which included global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, was left in shock by the sudden and emphatic ending. Adesanya, visibly shaken, took several moments to come to terms with the loss, standing in disbelief as the reality of his latest setback set in.
For Imavov, the victory cements his status as a serious title contender in the middleweight division. The 28-year-old fighter has been steadily climbing the ranks, and this win over one of the sport’s biggest names could position him for a title shot in the near future.
As for Adesanya, the defeat raises questions about his future in the division. Having dominated the middleweight ranks for years, the former champion now faces a critical juncture in his career. Whether he chooses to take time off, move up in weight, or attempt another comeback remains to be seen.
With this latest upset, UFC Fight Night 250 has delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the year, shaking up the middleweight hierarchy and setting the stage for intriguing matchups in the division’s future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
