Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports
Topics: UFC, MMA, Israel Adesanya, Saudi Arabia
Luke Davies
UFC fans are all saying the same thing after the former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya sustained a brutal knockout loss against Nassourdine Imavov on Saturday evening.
Adesanya, 35, and Imavov, 28, went head-to-head at the anb Arena in Saudi Arabia.
The New Zealander had been out of action since suffering a defeat against South African Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024.
On Saturday night, the opening exchanges were relatively tame, with both men looking to find their range.
But two minutes into round two of the contest, Imavov rushed forward and caught Adesanaya with a huge overhand right which sent him backwards.
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The former UFC Middleweight Champions was propped up by the cage before the France-based fighter finished the 35-year-old with more punches before the referee jumped in.
Fans on social media were quick to give their thoughts on social media.
One said: "Adesanya is finished."
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Another added: "Tough to see Adesanya go out like that. He looked sharp and active in R1. Don’t want to write him off yet as finished, but curious what’d be next for him."
A third commented: "Israel Adesanya is actually finished. hate to see it."
While a fourth exclaimed: "Damn. Adesanya got finished in under 2 rounds. Crazy. His stance looked strong and nice, too. He was throwing shots so well."
As a fifth claimed: "IMAVOV FINISHED ADESANYA!!! GAH DAYUM!!! Izzy era might be done man!!"
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Imavov was interviewed shortly after his victory and made his intentions to fight for the belt clear, which is currently held by Du Plessis.
"I feel so good, I said all week long I was in the perfect shape and I'm the better striker," Imavov told TNT Sports.
"Now I'm going to challenge for the belt.
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"My confidence is coming from my family, my brother and my team. If you want one secret then surround yourself by people who love you and who you love. You will grow this way.
"We have been sharing the same goal for 10 years so I want to dedicate this victory to my brother because he has been with me all the way."
"I think there is no doubt I am worth the belt," he added. "Four victories in one year. Two top five ten, two top ten, two finishes. The record speaks for itself."