Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya faced a shocking second-round knockout loss to French fighter Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Imavov, known as “The Sniper,” delivered a precision right hand early in the second round, marking the beginning of the end for Adesanya. The Nigerian-born New Zealander, competing in a non-title bout for the first time since February 2019, had hoped to build momentum for another title run following three losses in his last four championship fights.
Adesanya started strong, using heavy body kicks and feints to control the early exchanges. However, Imavov remained composed and countered with a powerful overhand right, followed by a devastating left uppercut that sent Adesanya crashing to the canvas.
Referee Marc Goddard gave Adesanya a brief chance to recover, but as Imavov unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes, the fight was called off, sealing an emphatic knockout victory for the Frenchman.
This latest setback raises questions about Adesanya’s future in the UFC after recent losses to Alex Pereira, Sean Strickland, and Dricus Du Plessis. Meanwhile, Imavov’s statement win solidifies his position as a top contender in the middleweight division.
