Adesanya suffers third-straight loss, second KO defeat
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya suffered his third consecutive defeat and second career knockout loss on Saturday night, falling to Nassourdine Imavov via second-round TKO in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander entered the bout looking to snap his first-ever consecutive losing streak, having lost his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 before suffering another defeat to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 last August. However, the 35-year-old’s comeback bid was violently halted by the surging French contender.
Despite starting well with a series of hard low kicks that rattled Imavov’s lead leg, Adesanya found himself in trouble late in the first round when his opponent landed a stiff shovel hook that snapped his head back. The former champion also absorbed a huge right hand in the closing moments but appeared to weather the storm.
The end came swiftly after the second round began as Imavov, who entered the contest on a three-fight winning streak, dropped Adesanya with a massive right hand. The Dagestani-born fighter followed up with a left uppercut and a barrage of ground strikes, forcing referee Marc Goddard to stop the contest.
Before the fight, Adesanya had dismissed concerns about his future, telling Stake.com, “I’m always in the title picture. That’s because I’m Israel Adesanya, and I’ve done so much in this game.
“The belt always comes back around, I’m just doing what I love.”
The loss marks the first time Adesanya has competed without a UFC championship on the line in six years and 12 fights. His professional record now stands at 24 wins with 16 knockouts and four defeats in his 13-year MMA career.
For Imavov (15-4), it was the biggest victory of his career, potentially putting him in line for a title shot following previous wins over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen.
The result leaves Adesanya’s future uncertain, particularly after he recently sparked speculation by jokingly referring to himself as a “gatekeeper” in the sport.
