The UFC Saudi Arabia event on February 1, 2025, delivered an unforgettable night of action, headlined by the highly anticipated middleweight clash between former champion Israel Adesanya and rising star Nassourdine Imavov. The event took place at the Anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
The fight started off cautiously, with both fighters feeling each other out in the opening round. Adesanya, known for his striking prowess, looked sharp and active, but it was Imavov who made the decisive move early in the second round. At the 2-minute mark, Imavov landed a powerful overhand right that sent Adesanya crashing into the cage. He followed up with a left uppercut, knocking out the former champion and securing the victory by knockout.
Imavov’s victory was met with a mix of shock and admiration from fans and analysts alike. Imavov, who has been on a tear with four victories in the past year, including two top-ten wins, expressed his confidence and gratitude to his team and family for their support. He also made it clear that he is now aiming for the middleweight belt, currently held by Dricus du Plessis.
Adesanya, on the other hand, faced a tough loss but received support from fans who acknowledged his contributions to the sport and expressed hope for his future.
