Israel Adesanya is in a difficult position in the middleweight division following a surprising knockout defeat to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The former two-time middleweight champion came into the fight under increasing pressure after losing to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.
Despite being the favorite, Adesanya was unable to halt his slide, as Imavov, a Dagestani-born Frenchman, got the greatest win of his career with a surprise second-round knockout.
Adesanya began the bout with light footwork, attacking Imavov’s lead leg with a series of strong low kicks. Imavov, on the other hand, seemed unfazed and continued to press forward.
He ultimately closed the gap and delivered a thunderous shovel hook, snapping Adesanya’s head back.
A minute and a half before the finish of the round, Adesanya received a hard right hand but still managed to take the shot. Unfortunately for the previous champion, he was unable to recuperate in time for the restart.
Imavov quickly followed up with a massive left uppercut and a barrage of ground-and-pound. Referee Marc Goddard intervened, interrupting the bout and crowning Imavov the winner. The surprising finale stunned the AnB Arena crowd, which included worldwide football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo.
Adesanya, apparently startled, stared in astonishment as the hard truth of the knockdown set in.
