Israel Adesanya's long-awaited return to the Octagon met with brutal reality on Saturday as he faced off against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250, hosted at Riyadh's A.N.B. Arena. The former middleweight champion suffered his third consecutive loss via knockout, marking the end of his streak with the official documentation of the bout at 0:30 of the second round.
Adesanya, whose overall record now stands at 24 wins and 5 losses, started the fight strong. It looked as though he was on track to reclaim some glory, having secured the first round. Friends and fans eager for his success were hopeful he could reverse the trends from his previous defeats. His first loss had come back in 2021, and since then he has gone 4-5, which includes losing the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Despite his solid start, the tide dramatically shifted when Adesanya suffered what some would call misfortune. After he landed a powerful kick, he reportedly got poked in the eye, prompting him to seek the referee’s intervention. Although UFC rules allow fighters to take time to recover from such incidents, Adesanya appeared unwilling to pause the fight. "I just didn’t want him to rest because I knew he was tired," Adesanya explained post-fight, summing up the moment with, "But again, 20/20." Following the fateful decision to proceed, Imavov capitalized almost immediately, landing a right hand knockout just seven seconds after play resumed.
This loss, the quickest defeat of Adesanya's career, has thrown his future as a competitive fighter sharply under scrutiny. Social media erupted with fans questioning his career decisions, leading some to speculate whether it’s time for him to hang up the gloves. One fan succinctly noted, "Israel Adesanya is officially WASHED," sharing respect for his past achievements but also expressing concern over recent performances.
UFC President Dana White exhibited support for Adesanya during the post-fight press conference, defending the fighter's capability to compete. White remarked on the unpredictability of the sport, stating, “A single punch, no matter how impactful, does not define a fighter’s entire career.” He commended Adesanya for his skill and composure prior to the knockout and shifted the focus away from age as detriment, underlining the difference between him and the much younger Imavov, who is 28.
“We have to respect everything he has accomplished. He must not forget he’s 35. It’s not time to put him out to pasture just yet,” White emphasized, allowing for the possibility of Adesanya returning to form. This sentiment contrasts sharply with the views of many fans who believe he should retire and not jeopardize his legacy.
Adesanya’s coach, Mike Angove, reflected on the fight’s pivotal moments, expressing frustration about his fighter's choice to decline the pause. “An experienced pro will close the distance when the referee breaks something. You have to create your own space...but it’s just how it goes,” he explained. His insights highlighted the challenge athletes face when competing under immense pressure and the impact of split-second decisions on fight outcomes.
Adesanya, amid the fallout from this latest defeat, maintained his composure, stating, “I’ll have to chill and then think about things. I was going to do this anyway, but now I'm forced to.” His humility and patience were evident as he navigated the aftermath of his defeat, echoing sentiments of respect for other fighters who have displayed similar resilience throughout their careers.
The broader MMA community has begun debating the potential end of the road for Adesanya—in what was once referred to as unbeatable territory. UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping expressed doubts about Adesanya again reaching championship status, saying, “Israel Adesanya’s reign as champion, I don’t think will come again.”
Adesanya's legacy as the two-time middleweight champion is already cemented within MMA history, with notable victories and six defenses during his title reign. His remarkable ability to capture the title again after defeating Alex Pereira is still fresh, yet the looming question remains: can he bounce back from this tough spell?
Despite the concerns surrounding his career, Adesanya's status as one of the most exciting fighters—with his unique style, captivating persona, and theatrical entrances—maintains his standing as both legend and icon. His present circumstances may be challenging, but the world continues to wait for the next phase of his narrative: whether it be resurgence or retirement.
After his fight with Imavov and the subsequent discussions, fans and commentators alike will be eagerly watching how Adesanya chooses to respond, both inside and outside of the Octagon. Will he adapt and learn from this humbling experience, or will this be the moment he steps away from competition for good?