According to Israel Adesanya, Francis Ngannou is his big brother ahead of Nassourdine Imavov.
At UFC Saudi Arabia, which was held inside the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nassourdine Imavov and Israel Adesanya squared off in a middleweight match.
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20:58 - 01.02.2025
Israel Adesanya goes to Sleep: Nassourdine Imavov knocks out Nigerian Stylebender in UFC Saudi Arabia
In the 2nd round at UFC Saudi Arabia, Nassourdine Imavov knocked out Nigerian Stylebender Israel Adesanya.
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21:33 - 01.02.2025
Israel Adesanya is done: Nigerians lament as Stylebender knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia
See what Nigerians are saying after Israel Adesanya was knocked out in round two by Nassourdine Imavov in UFC Saudi Arabia.
After a close first round against a former champion, Imavov upset former middleweight champion Adesanya with a swarming knockout 30 seconds into the second round in his third UFC main event in four fights.
The fight continued despite Adesanya's complaint of an eye poke in the second.
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Imavov used his right hand to pound Adesanya, then dropped him upon the canvas.
He jumped on him on the fence, then followed with a left uppercut along the cage.
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Francis Ngannou on Israel Adesanya
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After the fight, the former UFC heavyweight champion took to social media to console Adesanya.
He reminded him of his past glory while most people were saying he is done for.
Along with a photo with Adesanya and Kamaru Usman, Ngannou posted a message that said, "Unforgiving sport. Champ one day, champ forever.
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"@stylebender, we love you, man, and will always stand by your side. ❤️
"Congrats to @imavov1 for his amazing performance."
Adesanya now faces an uphill battle to climb up the ranks at middleweight.