Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, faced another devastating setback after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The highly anticipated bout ended in the second round when Imavov landed a crushing right hand, sending Adesanya to the canvas. Seizing the opportunity, Imavov delivered a series of ground strikes, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.
This defeat marks Adesanya’s third consecutive loss, following previous setbacks against Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. The Nigerian-born fighter, once considered an unstoppable force in the UFC middleweight division, now faces serious questions about his future in the sport.
Fans and analysts have expressed concerns about Adesanya’s recent struggles, with many wondering if he will take a break, change his fighting strategy, or even consider retirement. His loss to Imavov, a rising contender, has further fueled debates about whether Adesanya can reclaim his dominance in the division.
Despite the recent setbacks, Adesanya remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, known for his exceptional striking and charisma. However, with his title aspirations slipping further away, the road to redemption appears more challenging than ever.