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.
Shamil Gaziev vs Thomas Petersen
Round one
Fast start as Gaziev lands a nice elbow early on, with the pair throwing down in the middle of the Octagon within the first 15 seconds.
Things begin to temper before Petersen lands a really nice takedown. He gets Gaziev up against the fence and lands some shots, but Gaziev responds with a fierce hook of his own to get Petersen of his own.
Then BANG! Gaziev starches Petersen with a right jackhammer straight the middle, landing it right on the jaw for the walk-off knockout. And that’s all she wrote.
Shamil Gaziev def. Thomas Petersen via first-round knockout (right hook, 3:12)
Brutal finish. Gaziev’s stock is on the rise.
Shamil Gaziev vs Thomas Petersen
The second of three heavyweight bouts this evening, Shamil Gaziev takes on Thomas Petersen in a clash between two graduates of Dana White’s Contendor Series.
Gaziev has becoming something of a cult favourite among fans and will look to string together a second successive win after getting the decision over Don'Tale Mayes last time out.
In his way is Petersen, also coming into this fight off a win after defeating Mohammed Usman last summer. Another victory here will likely propel him into the top 15, over 14th-ranked Gaziev.
Countdown to the main card
Just under an hour until the main card gets underway in Riyadh.
A lot to look forward to as Israel Adesanya prepares to fight under non-title circumstances for the first time in nearly six years.
Terrance McKinney vs Damir Hadzovic
Round one
McKinney starts by testing Hadzovic early, as he often does. He throws some big strikes but Hadzovic responds in toe.
Hadzovic then gets caught with some heavy shots before being taken down by McKinney, who has mount. The Bosnian feels the wrath of a couple sharp 12-to-6 elbows and concedes his back, leading to non-stop ground and pound from McKinney, which is enough for the referee to halt the fight!
Terrance McKinney def. Damir Hadzovic via first-round TKO (ground strikes, 2:01)
Quick business. Same old Terrance McKinney.
Terrance McKinney vs Damir Hadzovic
To the UFC’s deepest division and it’s an exciting lightweight bout as Terrance McKinney squares off against Damir Hadzovic.
McKinney is known for going big or going home, with seven wins in under a minute. He’s the biggest favourite on the card against the Bosnian Bomber.
This probably won’t need all three rounds.
Imavov looking to condemn Adesanya to scrap heap
On a three-fight tear, Nassourdine Imavov is getting a taste for the main event now; Saturday’s is his fourth in the UFC, with two of his previous three going down as wins.
Last time out, in September, the Frenchman soaked up home adulation as he ground out a decision win over Brendan Allen in Paris, shooting him to fifth in the middleweight rankings.
Far more in-form than Adesanya, Imavov is vying for title contention for the first time, and the 28-year-old will be desperate to add a divisional great to his resume.
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva
Round three
Bueno Silva gets a pretty brutal pep talk from her corner, knowing she needs a finish in the third to have any hope of a win. “This is for diapers for your kids,” her coach says.
The Brazilian needs to stay on her feet and connects with an elbow in the first 90 seconds. However, she then gets rocked by Jasudavicius and is easily brought to the ground.
It feels academic from this point. Jasudavicius has got Bueno Silva tied up and nearly gets the submission, but she’s content with top control. It goes to the scorecards.
Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
A dominant display over a former title challenger. Statement victory from Jasudavicius.
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva
Round two
Bueno Silva has a massive swelling above her left eye - given that her last fight ended by a forced doctor stoppage, she’ll hope this doesn’t get any worse.
She tries catching Jasudavicius with a standing guillotine, the American once again escapes.
Jasudavicius ends the round in a similar vein to the first - with top control, chipping away with the ground and pound.
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva
Round one
Jasudavicius throws an early low kick as the pair try to find their range. They then trade left hooks before Jasudavicius tries finding success with the one-twos.
The American then gets caught and is in a precarious position, with Bueno Silva looking to lock in the choke. However, she does really well to release the pressure and gains top control - this is her wheelhouse.
Grapples well to see out to round but needs to be aware of Bueno Silva’s submission attempts as the Brazilian looks for loose limbs to snatch.
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva
Women’s flyweight action up next as Jasmine Jasudavicius takes on Mayra Bueno Silva - the first ever women’s matchup on a UFC Saudi Arabia card.
The fighters are making their way out as the anb Arena slowly fills up.
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