- Israel Adesanya drops to fourth in UFC middleweight rankings after TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov.
- Imavov climbs to second, while Khamzat Chimaev remains a potential title challenger.
- Adesanya reflects on his loss with resilience, vowing a return to the octagon.
Two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has dropped two places to fourth in the official UFC rankings after suffering a second-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander’s defeat, marking his third consecutive loss within 12 months, caused a significant shift in the middleweight rankings, with Imavov moving up to second place, surpassing Khamzat Chimaev.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
Though Imavov has climbed in the rankings, Chimaev is still anticipated to challenge the winner of the upcoming championship rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland, according to MMA journalist and official media voter John Morgan.
Adesanya, 35, entered the fight aiming to break his first-ever consecutive losing streak. His most recent losses came when he lost his title to Strickland at UFC 293, followed by another defeat to du Plessis at UFC 305 last August.
The fight against Imavov started strong for Adesanya, who landed some effective low kicks, but in the second round, Imavov caught him with a powerful right hand, followed by a left uppercut and ground strikes that forced the referee to stop the contest.
This loss marks the first time in six years and 12 fights that Adesanya has competed without a UFC championship on the line. His career record now stands at 24 wins (16 by knockout) and 4 losses over 13 years in MMA.
FURTHER READING
- [VIDEO] Commotion Rocks PDP BoT Meeting as Faction Confront Each Other
- NiDCOM Prepares for Deportation of Nigerians from U.S
- BREAKING: Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by Police IG
Meanwhile, the middleweight division has seen other notable shifts, with Roman Kopylov breaking into the rankings at No. 14 after his fifth-round TKO win over Chris Curtis in January, while unbeaten prospect Bo Nickal made his debut at No. 15.
Following the defeat, Adesanya remained positive on social media, showing his trademark resilience: “As real as it gets, @ufc. Rolled the dice…snake eyes. I’ll be back, gone to get some milk.”
