Sat Feb 01 20:46:30 UTC 2025: ## Imavov Knocks Out Adesanya, Stakes Claim for UFC Middleweight Title
**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia –** Nassourdine Imavov delivered a stunning upset victory over former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in a thrilling knockout win in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 30-year-old Frenchman, nicknamed “The Sniper,” landed a devastating right hand followed by a left uppercut in the second round, sending Adesanya crashing to the canvas. Referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight, handing Imavov a resounding victory and catapulting him into the title conversation.
Adesanya, fighting in a non-title bout for the first time in years, was attempting to reignite his championship aspirations after a recent slump. He had lost three of his last four fights, including title defeats to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis. While Adesanya started strong, utilizing his signature feints and body kicks, Imavov’s power proved too much.
Imavov, riding a three-fight winning streak entering the bout, declared his intent to fight for the title post-fight, stating, “I said it all week long that I was in perfect shape. I proved it tonight that I was the better striker. Now the real bonus for me is going to be to fight for the belt.”
The victory sets up an intriguing scenario ahead of next week’s title fight between current champion Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Imavov’s performance has undoubtedly put him in contention for a shot at the belt.
In the co-main event, England’s Michael “Venom” Page secured a unanimous decision victory over Shara Magomedov, handing the undefeated Russian his first professional MMA loss in a closely contested fight. Page’s unpredictable striking proved the difference, earning him the win.
First Piper 