Israel Adesanya’s legendary UFC career could be over after a third successive defeat.
The former two-time middleweight champion’s dip in form started with a huge upset loss against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023.
It continued when he tried to win back the 185lb belt last August. Dricus du Plessis made Israel Adesanya tap out with a face crank submission in the fourth round of their UFC 305 main event.
‘The Last Stylebender’ was supposed to get back on track at UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday night – but Nassourdine Imavov knocked him out inside two rounds to score a big upset at the anb Arena in Riyadh.
Fans call for Israel Adesanya to retire
Adesanya’s third straight loss could be blamed on him deciding to fight through an inadvertent eye poke.
Just a few seconds later, Imavov dropped him with a massive overhand right before connecting with a monstrous follow-up punch when the New Zealander tried to bounce back to his feet.
Imavov swarmed with punches until referee Marc Goddard waved off the fight. Robert Whittaker’s newest training partner immediately protested the stoppage, but he was face down taking punches after being badly wobbled.
UFC fans on social media didn’t have much issue with Goddard’s stoppage. In fact, there was a large group of people all giving Adesanya the same piece of advice after watching him get knocked out by Imavov.
“Adesanya… Retire big bro,” one fan said. While another added: “Adesanya is washed.”
“Adesanya should retire honestly. 3 straight losses in the UFC is curtains,” someone else commented:
“I would like to see Adesanya retire. He can still win fights, but his speed fell off and his chin is cracked. This will keep happening if Adesanya keeps fighting top competition,” a fourth fan wrote.
“ISREAL ADESANYA NEEDS TO RETIRE,” one UFC Saudi Arabia viewer exclaimed.
“Israel Adesanya is officially on retirement watch,” this fan insisted.
Nassourdine Imavov calls for a title shot
As Adesanya considers his fighting future, Imavov is hoping to get a shot at his old belt later this year.
Du Plessis and Strickland will rematch with 185lb gold on the line at UFC 312 in Australia next weekend.
The winner is expected to defend against Khamzat Chimaev in the summer, but Imavov believes he’s done enough to jump the queue after stretching his current win streak to four in a row.
“I think there is no doubt I am worth the belt,” Imavov said via a translator after his biggest win to date.
“Four victories in one year. Two top five [opponents]. Two top 10 [opponents]. Two finishes.
“The record speaks for itself.”