Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya endured his third consecutive defeat and second career knockout loss on Saturday night, succumbing to Nassourdine Imavov via TKO in the second round of their headline bout at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia, According to Punch Sport Extra.
The Nigerian-born fighter, who represents New Zealand, stepped into the octagon hoping to break a two-fight skid after relinquishing his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and later suffering another setback against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 last August. However, his aspirations for redemption were crushed by the fast-rising French contender.
Adesanya initially found success in the opening round, targeting Imavov’s lead leg with powerful low kicks that visibly affected his opponent’s movement. However, things took a turn when Imavov landed a precise shovel hook that snapped Adesanya’s head back, putting the former champion on shaky ground. A devastating right hand followed in the final moments of the round, but Adesanya managed to survive the onslaught.
The decisive moment arrived shortly after the second round commenced. Imavov, who entered the fight riding a three-bout winning streak, unleashed a thunderous right hand that sent Adesanya crashing to the canvas. Wasting no time, the Dagestani-born fighter capitalized with a left uppercut and a flurry of ground-and-pound strikes, prompting referee Marc Goddard to call a halt to the contest.
Ahead of the fight, Adesanya downplayed any concerns about his standing in the division, telling Stake.com, “I’m always in the title conversation. That’s just who I am. I’ve accomplished too much in this sport for that to change. The belt always finds its way back to me—I’m simply doing what I love.”
This bout marked Adesanya’s first non-title fight in the UFC in six years, spanning a total of 12 matchups. His professional MMA record now stands at 24 wins (16 by knockout) and four losses, capping a career that has spanned over 13 years.
For Imavov (15-4), this victory represents the most significant milestone of his career, strengthening his case for a title opportunity following previous triumphs over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen.
With this latest setback, Adesanya’s future remains uncertain, especially after he recently fueled speculation by humorously referring to himself as a “gatekeeper” in the sport.
