Israel Adesanya Suffers Second-Round Knockout Defeat Against Imavov

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Following a second-round knockout in Saturday’s main event of the UFC Fi 250 in Saudi Arabia, former two-time UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya suffered a shocking defeat to Nassourdine Imavov.

The 30-year-old Imavov nicknamed “The Sniper”, landed a lightning-fast precision right hand early in the second round, signalling the beginning of the end for Adesanya.

Adesanya, who had lost three of his previous four championship fights, was hoping to win another title fight. He had been fighting in a non-title bout for the first time since February.

On February 1, 2025, Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov will fight in their men’s middleweight match at Riyadh’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night 250. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

The Nigerian-born New Zealander won the belt for the first time in November 2022, fell to American Sean Strickland, and then lost to South African Du Plessis in a submission defeat in August 2024.

He started strong, utilising heavy body kicks and feints to control the early exchanges.

During the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night 250 in Riyadh on February 1, 2025, Nassourdine Imavov celebrates her victory over Israel Adesanya in their men’s middleweight match. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Adesanya was left reeling as a result of a vicious left uppercut that the Frenchman held onto the canvas. He turned the tide and turned the tide overhand to the right, keeping him from losing his composure.