In a raw and candid moment, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya recently reviewed the footage of his devastating loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia. The footage, which captured Adesanya’s immediate reactions, showed him analyzing the sequence that led to his defeat in the second round.
The bout, which took place on Saturday, saw Adesanya entering with hopes of breaking a two-bout losing streak, following defeats to Sean Strickland and current champion Dricus du Plessis. His last victory had come in 2023 when he reclaimed his title from Alex Pereira.
As Adesanya watched the replay, he provided commentary on the crucial moments: “Chopping the legs early in round 2,” he observed, before acknowledging his opponent’s strategy from earlier exchanges with “Fair game, fair game.”
The finish came just 30 seconds into the second round when Imavov, who had controlled the center of the octagon, landed a powerful right hand that sent Adesanya to the canvas. The French-Russian fighter quickly capitalized on the moment to secure the TKO victory.
Despite the loss, Adesanya maintained his characteristic philosophical approach, remarking, “I’m still alive. Oh that’s how the game goes,” as he watched the conclusion of the bout.
For Imavov, who entered the bout on a three-fight winning streak with victories over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen, this win could potentially position him for a future title opportunity, adding another dramatic chapter to the UFC’s middleweight division story.
Bravado gone wrong
Israel Adesanya got poked in the eye. But instead of taking the ten seconds to get that eye right.
He instead switches stances after realizing the eye isn't right and of course, he didn't see the punch that hit him#AdesanyaImavov pic.twitter.com/xbmCy1Freu
— 112 Fighting Sports (@112FIGHTNSPORTS) February 1, 2025
