RIFNOTE
French middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov scored a sensational second-round knockout victory over former UFC champion Israel Adesanya, cementing his status as a top title contender ahead of next week’s championship fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
Competing in a non-title bout for the first time since 2019, Adesanya was looking to reignite his path back to the middleweight throne. The Nigerian-born New Zealander started strong, using feints and heavy body kicks to control the early exchanges. However, the tide shifted dramatically in the second round when Imavov, nicknamed “The Sniper,” landed a precise overhand right to Adesanya’s jaw, sending him stumbling. Seizing the moment, the French fighter followed up with a vicious left uppercut, dropping Adesanya to the canvas.
Referee Marc Goddard briefly allowed Adesanya to recover, but Imavov continued his relentless assault, forcing the official to step in and stop the fight. With this emphatic victory, Imavov extended his winning streak and immediately set his sights on a title shot.
“I said all week long that I was in perfect shape,” Imavov declared through an interpreter after the fight. “I proved tonight that I was the better striker. Now, the real bonus for me is going to be fighting for the belt.”
Adesanya, who dominated the middleweight division for years, has now lost three of his last four fights, suffering defeats to Alex Pereira, Sean Strickland, and Du Plessis. His latest setback raises questions about his future in the division as new contenders continue to emerge.
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