Israel Adesanya’s legendary UFC career took a devastating hit as Nassourdine Imavov delivered a brutal knockout during the main event of UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 1.
The fight-ending sequence unfolded just 30 seconds into the second round when Imavov connected with a powerful right cross, followed by a precise left uppercut and a relentless barrage of ground strikes. Adesanya, unable to recover, suffered yet another setback in his storied career, marking his second consecutive loss.
The opening round saw both fighters engaged in a highly competitive battle. Adesanya, competing in his first non-title bout in six years, effectively used his reach to land sharp jabs and executed well-placed knees in the clinch. However, Imavov remained patient, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike—and when it came, he capitalized in spectacular fashion.
Following his stunning victory, Imavov wasted no time in calling for a title shot, declaring that his win over the former champion had cemented his place as a top contender. His next move will depend on the outcome of the upcoming middleweight championship clash between current champion Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in Sydney next weekend.
As for Adesanya, this defeat raises questions about his future in the sport. With a career that has already secured his place in the UFC Hall of Fame, the 34-year-old may now be at a crossroads—either plotting a comeback or considering retirement after a dominant run that shaped the middleweight division.
For Imavov, this victory is a defining moment. At 29, he continues his ascent as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. With recent wins over Brendan Allen and Jared Cannonier, his skillset and finishing ability make him a legitimate threat to any middleweight titleholder.