Adesanya Suffers Knockout Defeat to Imavov in UFC Showdown

Nassourdine Imavov delivered a stunning knockout victory over former UFC champion Israel Adesanya, propelling himself into the title conversation with a devastating second-round finish.

Nassourdine Imavov delivered a stunning knockout victory over former UFC champion Israel Adesanya, catapulting himself into the title picture ahead of next week's showdown between champion Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Imavov's sensational second-round finish showcased his precision and power, as he landed a lightning-fast right-hand punch that marked the beginning of the end for Adesanya.

The Frenchman, nicknamed 'The Sniper,' demonstrated his formidable skills, outstriking Adesanya and ultimately securing the knockout win. Adesanya, competing in a non-title fight for the first time since February 2019, was attempting to revive his championship aspirations. The Nigerian-born New Zealander had previously held the title but suffered losses in three of his last four attempts to reclaim it.

Adesanya's recent setbacks include a November 2022 loss to Alex Pereira, followed by a rematch victory, and subsequent defeats to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis in August 2024. Despite a strong start, which saw him land heavy kicks to the body and utilize feints to draw out Imavov, Adesanya's momentum was short-lived. Imavov's thunderous overhand right, followed by a vicious left uppercut, sent Adesanya stumbling to the canvas, sealing the victory for the Frenchman.

Imavov's impressive performance, which marked his fourth consecutive win in 2024, has thrust him into the title conversation. With champion Dricus Du Plessis set to face Sean Strickland next week, Imavov's victory has timely injected him into the mix, making him a formidable contender for the championship.

IT"S OVER 😱 #UFCSaudiArabia

Nassourdine Imavov KNOCKS OUT Israel Adesanya in round two!#RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/Gj7U2mSZvH

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 1, 2025

Referee Marc Goddard initially gave Israel Adesanya an opportunity to recover from the devastating combination of punches, but as Nassourdine Imavov continued to unleash a flurry of blows, Goddard was forced to intervene, waving off the fight and declaring Imavov the winner by knockout. The victory marked a significant statement by Imavov, who had confidently asserted his physical preparedness throughout the week.

In the post-fight interview, Imavov reiterated his pre-fight claims, stating through an interpreter, “I said it all week long that I was in perfect shape. I proved it tonight that I was the better striker.” Imavov's sights are now firmly set on a title shot, as he exclaimed, "Now the real bonus for me is going to be to fight for the belt." The Frenchman's impressive performance has undoubtedly propelled him into the title conversation.

In the co-main event, England's Michael 'Venom' Page secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Russia's Shara Magomedov, handing the middleweight his first professional MMA loss. The contest was a tense, tactical affair, with Page utilizing his unpredictable striking to outmaneuver his opponent and earn the win on the judges' scorecards.