In a spectacular night inside the UFC octagon in Saudi Arabia, Nassourdine Imavov delivered a stunning upset by knocking out former champion Israel Adesanya in the second round, taking a major step toward his dream of capturing the middleweight title.
Total Domination and a Decisive Finish
Imavov entered the fight with great confidence, fully prepared for the biggest challenge of his career against one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. From the opening seconds, the French fighter imposed his pace, using close-range combat and relentless pressure to neutralize Adesanya’s usual distance-based striking.
In the second round, Imavov caught Adesanya with a powerful shot that broke through his defenses, followed by a devastating knockout blow that sent the former champion crashing to the canvas. Sensing the moment, “The Sniper” rushed in with a barrage of ground strikes, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight—securing a well-earned and emphatic victory.
Nassourdine Imavov Achieves the Biggest Triumph of His Career with a Dominant Victory Over Israel Adesanya!
نصر الدين إيمافوف يحقق أكبر إنجاز في مسيرته بفوزه الساحق على إسرائيل أديسانيا! pic.twitter.com/SDBfSbhyUs
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 1, 2025
Imavov’s Post-Fight Speech: The Title Is Next
Following his victory, Nassourdine Imavov spoke on the UFC microphone, expressing his joy at achieving this massive milestone:
“I was at the top of my game, and I defeated one of the toughest opponents in this sport. But for me, the real reward hasn’t come yet… it’s the belt. I was born for this moment. I’ve faced failures before, but I’ve always found a way to bounce back. My advice to everyone: surround yourself with people you trust—that’s the real key to success. I dedicate this victory to my brother Daguir.”
What’s Next? Is Imavov the Next Middleweight Champion?
With this incredible win, Nassourdine Imavov cements himself as one of the top contenders for the middleweight title. After dismantling a legendary champion like Adesanya, it will be hard for the UFC to overlook him when deciding the next title challenger.
A perfect night for “The Sniper” and a victory that could change the course of his career. Is this just the beginning of a new era in the middleweight division?
