Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya endured a shocking defeat to Nassourdine Imavov, who secured a second-round knockout victory in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Nicknamed “The Sniper”, the 30-year-old Frenchman delivered a pinpoint right hand early in the second round, setting the stage for Adesanya’s downfall.
Competing in a non-title fight for the first time since February 2019, Adesanya was aiming to rebuild momentum after losing three of his last four championship bouts.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander was first dethroned by Alex Pereira in November 2022, reclaimed the title in a rematch, but later lost it to Sean Strickland. His last fight resulted in a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis in August 2024.
Adesanya started strong, using heavy body kicks and feints to control the early exchanges. However, Imavov remained composed and turned the fight around with a devastating overhand right, followed by a vicious left uppercut that sent Adesanya crashing to the canvas.
Referee Marc Goddard gave Adesanya a brief chance to recover, but Imavov capitalized with a relentless barrage of strikes, forcing the referee to step in and wave off the fight, securing a statement knockout victory for the French fighter.
