Nassourdine Imavov delivered a second-round knockout of former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC Fi 250 in Saudi Arabia event.
The 30-year-old Frenchman lived up to his nickname, “The Sniper,” landing a lightning-fast precision right hand early in the second round, signalling the beginning of the end for Adesanya.
Fighting in a non-title bout for the first time since February 2019, Adesanya, the Nigerian-born New Zealander was hoping to mount another title run after losing three of his last four championship fights.
Adesanya was first dethroned by Alex Pereira in November 2022, won the rematch, and then lost the belt again to American Sean Strickland before suffering a submission defeat to South Africa’s Du Plessis in August 2024.
Adesanya started strong, utilising heavy body kicks and feints to control the early exchanges. However, Imavov remained composed and turned the tide dramatically turning the tide overhand right sending Adesanya reeling, followed by a vicious left uppercut that sent him to the canvas.
Referee Marc Goddard allowed Adesanya a chance to recover, but as Imavov unleashed a barrage of strikes, the fight was waved off, sealing a knockout victory for the Frenchman.
“I said it all week—I was in perfect shape,” Imavov said through an interpreter. “I proved tonight that I was the better striker. Now, the real bonus for me is a shot at the title.”
The defeat marks the first time in six years and 12 fights that Adesanya has competed without a UFC championship on the line. His professional record now stands at 24 wins (16 knockouts) and four losses in a 13-year MMA career.
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