The legendary UFC career of Israel Adesanya can be over after a third consecutive defeat.
The former two -time middleweight champion DIP in form started with a huge upset loss against Sean Strickland on UFC 293 in September 2023.
It took place when he tried to win back the 185 pound belt last August. Dricus Du Plessis had Israel Adesanya ticked with a Face Crank entrance in the fourth round of their UFC 305 Main Event.
'The Last Stylebender' had to come back on the right track in UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening -but Nassourdine Imavov hit him out of two rounds to score a big upset in the ANB -Arena in Riyadh.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Fans evoke that Israel Adesanya will retire
The third consecutive loss of Adesanya could be accused of fighting to fight through an unintended eye por.
Only a few seconds later, Imavov dropped him with a huge upper hand just before he made contact with a monstrous follow-up punch when the New Zealander tried to bounce back.
Imavov swung with bumps until referee Marc Goddard waved the fight. Robert Whittaker's newest training partner immediately protested against the interruption, but he was down with the face to take bumps after he was poorly deleted.
UFC fans on social media did not have many problems with the stopping of Goddard. In fact, there was a large group of people who all gave Adesanya the same advice after he had seen him are eliminated by Imavov.
“Adesanya … pension,” said a fan. While another added: “Adesanya is being washed.”
“Adesanya has to retire honestly. 3 straight losses in the UFC are curtains, “someone else noticed:
“I would like to see Adesanya retire. He can still win fights, but his speed fell off and his chin is cracked. This will continue to happen if Adesanya continues to fight against top competition, “wrote a fourth fan.
“Isreal Adesanya has to retire,” exclaimed a UFC Saudi -Arabia viewer.
“Israël Adesanya is officially on a pension watch,” this fan kept up.
I would like to see Adesanya retire. He can still win fights, but his speed fell off and his chin is cracked. This will continue to happen if Adesanya continues to fight the top competition.
– Jed Meshew II (@jedkmeshew) February 1, 2025
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Nassourdine Imavov calls for a title shot
While Adsanya regards his fighting future, Imavov hopes to have a chance on his old belt later this year.
Du Plessis and Strickland will rematch with 185 pounds on the line on UFC 312 in Australia next weekend.
The winner is expected to defend himself against Khamzat Chimaev in the summer, but Imavov believes that he has done enough to jump the queue after stretching his current win rack to four in a row.
“I think there is no doubt that I am worth the belt,” Imavov said through a translator after his greatest victory so far.
“Four victories in one year. Two top five [opponents]. Two top 10 [opponents]. Two finishes.
“The record speaks for itself.”
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