UFC Saudi Arabia: ANB Arena; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Just thirty seconds into the second round the UFC’s middleweight division officially had a new shark swimming towards a title shot. But will the 28-year old Nassourdine Imavov get it, is another question. The Frenchman shoot his shot versus the future Hall Of Famer Israel Adesanya and scores the biggest win of his career.
The two-time former champion started solid. He mixed up an attack of kicks, counters, jabs, and switching stances. Adesanya’s takedown defense was holding up as well. Fighting in his 12th straight main event he had also been more relaxed at where he is than before. Up until the end, he was the more accurate and active fighter. But this would change, and change quickly.
Imavov landed a shuffle right uppercut that stung Adesanya. A strike a younger “IZZY” might have escaped. But there was little lateral movement from the New Zealander. And straight back can often lead to bad things. It’s also how the finish went down. Extended with both arms, Imavov went over the top with a counter right hand that cracked Adesanya’s jaw. Followed with a left upper cut and some ground and pound till referee MARC GODDARD jumped in. A bit early? Maybe. However, Adesanya had given his back and wasn’t defending. It also may be the end of the road for Adesanya. Especially at the top of the division.
The Frenchman Shoots His Shot… But Doubtful He’s Next
Post fight, Imavov said he wanted the next title shot. Well, with the strap up for grabs next week, we don’t know yet if it would be worthy to be run back. But there’s another shark who has laid claim to “next status”; Khamzat Chimaev.
Imavov’s stock is rising at the right time. He has fast hands with power and precision. And although not a regular at KILLCLIFF, he has worked with HENRI HOOFT to improve on those skills. And his ground game doesn’t totally suck. Unbeaten in now five straight, and true number one contender fight should be the way to go. Add on “Borz’s” perfect record. Imavov would need to make another quantum leap to deal with his high pace high pressure style. But we know Imavov has no issues being in boxing range.
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