Imavov stuns Adesanya with KO victory at UFC Saudi Arabia

UFC Saudi Arabia featured a pair of upsets in its co-main and main events on Saturday night, with both Israel Adesanya and Shara Magomedov in Riyadh suffering shock defeats in Riyadh.

Former middleweight champion Adesanya was a $1.62 favourite across UFC betting sites to defeat Nassourdine Imavov, but crashed out in the second round courtesy of a well-placed overhand right from the Frenchman.

Magomedov was an even heavier favourite to beat Page on most top betting apps, paying $1.52 at Marantelli Bet, yet the Russian was thoroughly out-fought for 15 minutes by the veteran Brit, losing by unanimous decision for the first loss of his career.

Before being caught by Imavov, Adesanya had looked in good shape.

The Nigerian-Kiwi likely own the opening round on points, putting in strong work with leg kicks and confusing his opponent with his trademark movement.

However, Imavov did land the best shot of the round in the opening stanza, sticking an uppercut through Adesanya’s guard seemingly out of nowhere.

This was a foreshadowing of the strike that would end the contest, with Imavov again catching the 35-year-old unawares with a looping overhand.

Rocked by the impact, Adesanya hit the deck, only to be peppered by blows from Imavov, with a left uppercut in particular finding its mark.

With Imavov on his back and Adesanya unable to defend himself adequately, the referee stopped the fight much to the Kiwi’s frustration.

“I proved it tonight that I was the better striker,” Imavov said after the bout.

“I feel so good, I said it all week long that I was in the perfect shape.

“My confidence is coming from my family, my brother, my team.

“Surround yourself with people like this, and you will be this way.

“We’ve been sharing the same goal for 10 years.

“So I want to dedicate this victory to my brother, because he will always be with me along the way.

“I promised to do something tonight. That was the special surprise.”

Imavov believes that his victory should earn him a shot at the middleweight title, which is contested next weekend at UFC 312 between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.

“Now the real reward is, I get to fight for the title,” he said.

“I think there is no doubt I’m worth the belt. Four victories in one year.”

Du Plessis leads UFC betting with the top MMA bookmakers heading into next Saturday’s clash in Sydney, paying $1.53 at BetOnline to defend his belt.

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