Adesanya suffers third straight loss at UFC Fight Night 250

UFC Fight Night 250 did not go as Israel Adesanya had hoped. A knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov marked the former champion’s third consecutive defeat, leaving his future uncertain. Adesanya, once considered one of the best middleweights in UFC history, now finds himself far from title contention.

Adesanya reflects on his performance

Adesanya started strong, controlling the first round with sharp striking and movement. However, early in the second round, Imavov landed a powerful overhand, sending Adesanya to the canvas. The referee quickly stopped the fight, handing Adesanya his first non-title bout loss since 2019.

“Disappointed. I hate letting my fans and my team down. My team is still proud of me for the work I put into this. It’s just the thrill and agony,” Adesanya said in his post-fight interview.

With three consecutive losses, Adesanya now faces an uncertain path. He admitted he was unsure about his next steps in the UFC.

“I don’t know [what’s next]. I need to chill and think about things. I’ll relax, help my teammates who have fights coming up, and see what I want to do. I was planning on taking a break anyway, but now I have to do it,” Adesanya stated.

?
“As real as it gets.” – @ufc
Rolled the dice…snake eyes ??
I’ll be back, gone to get some milk. ?? pic.twitter.com/XQ5eMgL6zd

— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) February 1, 2025

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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

Imavov secures career-best victory

For Nassourdine Imavov, this win was the biggest of his career. The French fighter has now won four consecutive bouts, including a dominant knockout over one of the most decorated middleweights in history. Imavov had stated before the fight that a title shot was within reach if he delivered an impressive victory, and he certainly made a statement.

Adesanya acknowledged his opponent’s success but felt he made a critical mistake.

“He must be excited to beat a guy like me. But again, I felt good. Round one, I had control of everything. Looking back, maybe I should have taken some time. I just didn’t want him to rest because I knew he was tired. I didn’t want him to rest. But again, hindsight is 20/20,” Adesanya admitted.

Middleweight title picture

The UFC middleweight division remains highly competitive. Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis are set to fight for the championship at UFC 312. The winner of that bout is expected to face Khamzat Chimaev, who recently defeated Robert Whittaker.

With Adesanya now on a three-fight losing streak, his future in the division is uncertain. Whether he takes an extended break or considers a move to another weight class, his next steps will be crucial in determining his legacy.

Source: MMAnytt.se