Nigerian-New Zealand mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya suffered another huge blow in his career after a shocking knockout loss to France’s Nassourdine Imavov at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1, 2025.  Aiming to bounce back after losing three of his last four championship fights, Adesanya was instead handed a third consecutive loss. 

Adesanya started strong, winning the first round, but Imavov turned the tide with a devastating overhand right that sent Adesanya staggering, followed by a vicious left uppercut that dropped him to the canvas.

The defeat adds to the growing concerns over the Nigerian-born fighter’s fading dominance after a consistent spree of impressive results placed him second for the most consecutive middleweight title defences (5) behind Anderson Silva (10). With career-defining victories against some of this generation’s best fighters including Yoel Romero, Robert Whittaker, and Alex Pereira, Adesanya’s slump started with losses to Sean Strickland in 2023 and South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis in August 2024.

While the 35-year-old still boasts an impressive record of 24 wins (16 by knockout) and five losses in 29 MMA outings, growing speculation suggests his time in the octagon may be winding down. Meanwhile, Adesanya has said he’d have to evaluate his options before making any decision.

“I have to chill and then think about things,” the 35-year-old reacted post-fight. “I hate disappointing my fans and my team. My team’s still proud of me for the work that I put into this. It’s just the thrill and agony.”