UFC
Nassourdine Imavov Stuns Israel Adesanya, What’s Next for the Surging Contender?

In a stunning turn of events, Nassourdine Imavov delivered a career-defining performance by knocking out former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in the second round of their main event clash at UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The French fighter’s victory not only extended his winning streak to four but also catapulted him into the upper echelons of the middleweight division.
Nassourdine Imavov knocks out Israel Adesanya at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
pic.twitter.com/ge5SKo79U0— No Jumper (@nojumper) February 1, 2025
The fight began with both fighters engaging cautiously, respecting each other’s striking prowess. Adesanya, in his first non-title bout in nearly six years, seemed to find his rhythm early, walking Imavov down with his trademark feints and precise strikes. However, Imavov remained composed, successfully defending against Adesanya’s takedown attempts in the first round.
The second round saw a dramatic shift in momentum. About 30 seconds into the round, Imavov landed a thunderous overhand right that sent Adesanya crashing to the canvas. The former champion attempted to protest, but referee Marc Goddard had seen enough and waved off the fight, awarding Imavov the TKO victory at the 4:30 mark of the second round.
This loss marks Adesanya’s third consecutive defeat and fourth in his last five fights, raising questions about the 35-year-old’s future in the sport. For Imavov, however, the future looks bright as he positions himself as a serious contender in the middleweight division.
While Imavov has called for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming UFC 312 bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, the UFC’s matchmaking decisions may lead him to face other top contenders first. Here are three potential opponents for Imavov that could solidify his position as the next title challenger:
Robert Whittaker
A matchup with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker would be a high-stakes bout that could determine the next title challenger. Whittaker’s well-rounded skill set and experience against top-tier opponents would provide a stern test for Imavov. A win over Whittaker would undoubtedly cement Imavov’s status as the number one contender and potentially set up a title fight against the winner of Du Plessis vs. Strickland.
Khamzat Chimaev
Although Chimaev is currently in the title picture, a fight between him and Imavov could be a thrilling number one contender bout. Both fighters are on impressive winning streaks and have shown the ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion. This matchup would not only test Imavov’s grappling skills against Chimaev’s wrestling but also showcase an exciting clash of striking styles. The winner of this potential bout would have an undeniable claim to the next title shot.
Caio Borralho
Caio Borralho, currently ranked No. 6 in the middleweight division, presents an intriguing matchup for Imavov. With an impressive 17-1 record and a 14-fight winning streak, Borralho’s well-rounded skills and recent unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier make him a compelling potential opponent for Imavov.
As Imavov basks in the glory of his career-defining win, the UFC matchmakers face the exciting challenge of determining his next move. Whether it’s a title shot or another high-profile matchup, Imavov has proven he’s ready for the biggest stages in MMA. His knockout victory over a legend like Adesanya has sent shockwaves through the middleweight division, and fight fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating his next appearance in the Octagon.
With his blend of technical striking, improving grappling, and newfound confidence, Nassourdine Imavov has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s middleweight division. As the landscape of the weight class continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Imavov’s star is on the rise, and his journey towards UFC gold is just beginning.