

Nassourdine Imavov speculatively knocks out Israel Adesanya at the UFC gala in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov faced off in the evening fight of the UFC gala in Saudi Arabia. The Adesanya vs Imavov duel was contracted for five rounds in the middleweight category limit. Both the Nigerian and the Frenchman specialize in standup, so fans expected an exchange of punches and a tough man-to-man fight.
Israel Adesanya entered the octagon after two defeats in a row. The former champion is looking for form after losing his title, and wanting to return to the throne he could not afford another loss. Nassourdine Imavov had a string of three wins in a row, and the duel with Adesanya was a chance for him to claim the most valuable scalp of his career so far.
Israel Adesanya started with attacks with kicks. In the initial phase of the duel, the Nigerian looks faster than his rival. Good left by Imavov, to which Adesanya responded with a high kick. Great defensive wrestling by the former UFC champion. Nassourdine for the time being is very static. The Frenchman finally moved with punches, however, Adesanya countered him well with an accurate punch. Thai clinch moment. Great low kicks by the Nigerian. Imagov hits with a capital right uppercut after which Adesanya’s head bounced back as far as it would go. The sharpshooter again goes to his opponent’s legs and almost manages to bring down the former champion. It wasn’t much missing, however, we return to the standup. Good kick to the torso on Izzy’s part.
A quick straight right by Adesanyi and two juicy low kicks. Nassourdine Imavov hits with a capital right after which he reaches Adesanyi impaled in the net and floods him with punches, after which the Nigerian falls helplessly to the boards. What a spectacular knockout performed by the Frenchman.
NASSOURDINE IMAVOV GETS THE BIGGEST KO OF HIS CAREER pic.twitter.com/5ncZW5qPdG
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 1, 2025