ISRAEL ADESANYA’S dominance in the UFC middleweight division suffered another devastating blow as he endured a second-round knockout defeat to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The highly anticipated bout saw Adesanya, once regarded as one of the most formidable strikers in MMA history, attempting to bounce back from consecutive losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. However, the Nigerian-born New Zealander was unable to halt his downward spiral, succumbing to the relentless pressure and striking power of Imavov, a rising force in the division.
Adesanya, known for his calculated striking and elusive footwork, started the contest with his signature low kicks, targeting Imavov’s lead leg. The former champion appeared composed, dictating the pace early on. However, Imavov remained undeterred, pressing forward with controlled aggression.
“The game plan was to pressure him and not let him find his rhythm,” Imavov said in his post-fight interview. “I knew if I stayed in his face, the knockout would come.”
The turning point arrived in the second round when Imavov landed a brutal right hand that sent Adesanya staggering. Sensing an opportunity, the Frenchman capitalised with a powerful left uppercut followed by a relentless ground-and-pound assault. Referee Marc Goddard swiftly intervened, stopping the fight at the 30-second mark of the round.
The Explainer gathered that the knockout loss marked Adesanya’s third defeat in his last four fights, a significant slump for a fighter who once ruled the middleweight division with an iron grip.
The defeat to Imavov now places Adesanya at an uncertain juncture in his career. Once celebrated for his fluid striking and exceptional takedown defence, the 34-year-old has struggled against high-pressure opponents in recent outings.
The Explainer noted that since reclaiming the UFC middleweight title against Alex Pereira in April 2023, Adesanya has failed to secure another victory. His loss to Sean Strickland in September 2023 was particularly alarming, as it exposed vulnerabilities in his defence.
Statistics paint a concerning picture for Adesanya:
Knockout Losses: Two in his last four fights
Striking Absorption: Increased to 4.12 significant strikes per minute in his last three fights (compared to his career average of 2.96)
UFC Record: 13-5 (overall MMA record: 24-5)
Championship Losses: Three since 2022
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While Adesanya remains a marquee name in the UFC, his recent performances suggest a decline in the dominance that once made him one of the sport’s most feared competitors.
For Nassourdine Imavov, this victory is career-defining. The Dagestani-born French fighter now boasts an 8-2 UFC record, with this win likely propelling him into title contention. His striking accuracy, composed approach, and ability to capitalise on Adesanya’s mistakes showcased a level of maturity that suggests he could be a serious contender for the middleweight championship.
The Explainer learned that Imavov’s victory over Adesanya marks his biggest win to date, adding to his growing reputation in the division.
“I’ve always believed I could compete with the best,” Imavov said. “Tonight, I proved it.”
