UFC Rising Star Eager for Title After Ex-Champ’s Shocking KO Loss

IZZY DOWN! Imavov shocks former champ | 01:14

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has fallen to Nassourdine Imavov by way of knockout at UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

UFC 312: Du Plessis v Strickland 2 | SUN 9 FEB | UFC middleweight king Dricus du Plessis is headed back Down Under for yet another title defence, with the South African set to face Sean Strickland in a blockbuster UFC 312 headliner in Sydney. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.

Just 30 seconds into the second round, Adesanya was dropped by the powerful right hand of Imavov, a rising contender who certainly enhanced his resume on Sunday morning (AEDT).

The 35-year-old Adesanya, floored and vulnerable, then couldn’t withstand the flurry of shots coming his way as the referee was forced to intervene.

“One shot to kill a legend. That was unbelievable,” commentator John Gooden said in reaction on the broadcast.

Adesanya wasn’t a fan of the stoppage, but it was clear to the broadcast the correct decision was made, with more shots from Imavov likely otherwise coming.

The burgeoning Imavov improves to 16-4.

“I said it all week long, that I was in perfect shape, and I proved it tonight,” Imavov said through an interpreter in the aftermath.

“I proved I was a better striker and now, the real bonus for me is going to be fighting for the belt. There is no doubt I am ready for the belt. Four victories in one year — the record speaks for itself.”

It was Adesanya’s first non-title fight since beating Anderson Silva in 2019. The Nigerian-New Zealander drops to 24-5 record and has now lost his past three bouts amid external talks of a decline.

“I have to chill and then think about things,” Adesanya told the UFC post-fight show.

“I will relax first for a little bit, just help the teammates who have fights coming up and see what I want to do. I was going to do that anyway, but now I’m forced to. Shoutout to Nassourdine for that.”

Also speaking after the contest, UFC CEO Dana White didn’t seem concerned about Adesanya’s standing in spite of his slump.

“I thought Izzy looked incredible until he got caught,” White said. “He was picking him apart, staying on the outside, takedown defense was incredible, chopping that calf kick.

“That whole round, he couldn’t have had a better first round, but then he got caught.”