Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov, UFC Saudi Arabia face-off Credit score: Youtube/UFC
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya made his return at UFC Saudi Arabia when he took on Nassourdine Imavov in the principle occasion on Saturday.
Adesanya (24-4) got here into the battle needing to snap a two-fight shedding streak with losses to Sean Strickland and the present champion Dricus du Plessis. His final victory got here in 2023 when he earned his title again from Alex Pereira in Poatan’s final 185 pound battle.
Imavov (15-4) had a ton to achieve on this one as a victory would absolutely put him on the very quick listing for fighters up subsequent for the belt. Driving a three-fight win streak with victories over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen. The time to make his case for a title shot was at UFC Saudi Arabia.
Spherical 1 Adesanya comes out with a kicking assault going high and low. Imavov had sufficient of that as he shot in with a double leg, then he slid up, tried to get the journey, Adesanya was capable of determine it out and reverse it.
Imavov continued to strive takedowns, however the former champion was capable of stuff them with out utilizing an excessive amount of vitality. The sport plan for Imavov is obvious. Get Adesanya down and put on him out.
Imavov landed a giant proper hand that despatched Adesanya to the fence. Imavov landed a pair extra photographs earlier than Adesanya discovered his method out of the place.
Adesanya ends the spherical with a kick to the physique.
Spherical 2 Imavov took the center of the octagon and he landed a large proper hand that put Adesanya on the canvas! He swarmed the previous champion and completed him through TKO!
Official End result: Nassourdine Imavov def. Israel Adesanya through R2 KO, 0:30
