Imavov knocks out Adesanya to stake UFC title claim

Nassourdine Imavov's stunning second-round knockout victory over former UFC champion Israel Adesanya has thrust him into the title picture ahead of next week's championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.

The 30-year-old Frenchman lived up to his "Sniper" moniker, ending the fight with a swift and precise right hand early in the second round. This marked Adesanya's first non-title fight since February 2019, a bout he hoped would reignite his quest for the championship belt after dominating the division for years but losing three of his last four title attempts.

Adesanya was defeated by Brazilian Alex Pereira in November 2022, but won their rematch. He then lost a decision to American Strickland and was submitted by South African Du Plessis in his last fight in August 2024. Adesanya, nicknamed "The Last Stylebender," started well, landing heavy leg kicks to the body and using feints to draw out his 30-year-old French opponent. Imavov entered the fight on a three-fight winning streak in 2024.

However, the tide turned dramatically when Imavov landed a thunderous right hand on Adesanya's chin, seemingly sealing the Nigerian-born New Zealander's fate. Imavov followed up with a vicious left hook, sending Adesanya staggering to the canvas. Referee Marc Goddard gave Adesanya a chance to recover, but Imavov's relentless onslaught forced the referee to stop the fight, awarding Imavov the knockout victory.

"I said all week I was perfect," Imavov said through a translator. "Tonight, I proved I am a better striker. Now, my real prize will be the title belt." In the co-main event, England's Michael "Venom" Page defeated Shara Magomedov by unanimous decision in a tense and tactical fight, with Page's unpredictable striking earning him the points victory and handing the Russian middleweight his first loss in his professional MMA career.