Adesanya vs Imavov LIVE: UFC Saudi Arabia reaction and results as Adesanya gets knocked out
Relive the action as Israel Adesanya is knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov to deal the ex-champion a third straight defeat
Nassourdine Imavov stunningly knocked out Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia to extend the former two-time middleweight champion’s losing streak to three.
The in-form Frenchman slept the Nigerian-born New Zealander in two rounds to stamp his mark as the future of the division, condemning Adesanya to defeat in a fight that felt must win for the 35-year-old.
All eyes will now be on the main event of UFC 312 which sees Sean Strickland challenge Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight strap, with Imavov insistent that Saturday’s win should put him next in line.
Elsewhere, Michael “Venom” Page handed Shara Magomedov his first loss in an upset victory, which saw the London welterweight move up a weight class. ‘MVP’ put on an assured display to overcome the Dagestan fighter in a unanimous decision victory.
Relive the action from UFC Saudi Arabia, below.
Bryce Mitchell’s comments on Hitler ‘beyond disgusting’, says Dana White
In other UFC news this week:
UFC president Dana White criticised fighter Bryce Mitchell for praising Adolf Hitler, among a slew of antisemitic, homophobic and transphobic comments, but said the organisation would not take disciplinary action against him.
Mitchell said Hitler was a “good guy” and denied the Holocaust during the first episode of his podcast, 'ArkanSanity’. Mitchell, 30, is ranked 13th in the UFC’s featherweight division.
"We reached out to Bryce immediately when we read what he said, and let him know exactly how we felt about it," White said at a news conference on Thursday.
"But what he said was beyond disgusting and he needs a real education on the facts surrounding Hitler and World War Two.”
But, citing freedom of expression, White said the UFC would not take disciplinary action against the American.
Full story:
UFC fighter’s comments on Hitler ‘beyond disgusting’, says Dana White
Interview: Della Maddalena on 'blueprint' to beat Edwards at UFC London
Another new UFC interview, but not regarding tonight’s event...
We spoke to Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena, who will venture to London for a main event against Leon Edwards in March.
Here’s what “JDM” had to say about his upcoming clash with the home favourite and former champion:
Jack Della Maddalena highlights ‘worst thing’ he could do against Leon Edwards
UFC Saudi Arabia odds for main event and co-main
Via Betway:
Adesanya – 4/7; Imavov – 7/5
Magomedov – 8/15; Page – 7/5
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Preview: Adesanya may never fight for UFC gold again if he can't pass Imavov test
Now fighting for contendership instead of gold, a win tonight is a must if Adesanya intends to become the UFC’s first three-time middleweight champion.
Anything else will cast him further away from the title picture and could even spell retirement. His route back to the throne is anything but easy, and his test against Imavov could prove telling.
On a three-fight tear, Imavov is getting a taste for the main event now; tonight’s is his fourth in the UFC, with two of his previous three going down as wins.
Far more in-form than Adesanya, the Frenchman is vying for title contention for the first time, and he will be desperate to add a divisional great to his resume.
Full preview of tonight’s main event:
Adesanya may never fight for a UFC title again if he can’t pass Imavov test
Interview: ‘MVP’ sees Magomedov as ‘tailor made’ for KO
Below is our interview with Michael “Venom” Page, who fights the unbeaten Shara Magomedov in tonight’s co-main event.
We spoke to the London welterweight about why he’s moving up to 185lb for this fight, his feelings on his loss to Ian Machado Garry last year, and why he is confident of a KO over Magomedov.
Read here:
‘MVP’ sees Shara Magomedov as ‘tailor-made’ opponent for UFC Saudi KO
How to watch UFC Saudi Arabia today
The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. Discovery+ will also air the action in the UK.
In the US, ESPN+ will stream the event live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
UFC Saudi Arabia start time and how to watch Adesanya vs Imavov
UFC Saudi Arabia start time today
This week’s UFC Fight Night will take place at Anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The prelims will start at 2pm GMT (6am PT / 8am CT / 9am ET), with the main card following at 5pm GMT (9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET).
Adesanya fights Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia LIVE
Israel Adesanya faces Nassourdine Imavov in a crucial middleweight clash tonight, as they meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, will try to halt a two-fight losing streak as he takes on the in-form Frenchman. The Nigerian-born New Zealander is in a must-win situation, having surrendered the title to Sean Strickland in a major upset in 2023, before failing to reclaim the gold from current champ Dricus Du Plessis.
Meanwhile, Imavov enters Riyadh on the back of three straight wins, having beaten Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen in a stellar 2024. Still, Adesanya marks Imavov’s toughest test yet, as the latter looks to reach title contention at the “Last Stylebender”’s expense.
And in tonight’s co-main event, Michael “Venom” Page faces Shara Magomedov, with the London welterweight moving up to 185lb. “MVP” will aim to bounce back from a loss to Ian Machado Garry and hand Magomedov his first professional loss.
Follow live updates and results from UFC Saudi Arabia, right here.
All fights at UFC Saudi Arabia today – prelims and main card
Main card
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov (middleweight)
Shara Magomedov vs Michael “Venom” Page (middleweight)
Sergei Pavlovich vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (heavyweight)
Said Nurmagomedov vs Vinicius Oliveira (bantamweight)
Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis (lightweight)
Muhammad Naimov vs Kaan Ofli (featherweight)
Prelims
Shamil Gaziev vs Thomas Petersen (heavyweight)
Terrance McKinney vs Damir Hadzovic (lightweight)
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva (women’s flyweight)
Bogdan Grad vs Lucas Alexander (featherweight)
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs Jamal Pogues (heavyweight)
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