Israel Adesanya’s Struggles: A Look at His Recent MMA Defeats and Future Plans

Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion, suffered his third consecutive defeat in the UFC Saudi Arabia event against Nassourdine Imavov. His striking coach, Mike Angove, reflected on the loss, attributing it to a mistake that Imavov’s team capitalized on. Adesanya is now uncertain about his fighting future.

Israel Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” has been on a downward spiral in the UFC. His recent loss to Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia marked his third consecutive defeat, a first in his combat sports career. The anticipation for his return was high, with teammates and coaches expressing satisfaction with his preparation.
However, Adesanya was caught off guard by a perfectly placed punch in the second round, which floored him. Follow-up strikes from Imavov forced the referee to stop the contest. Mike Angove, Adesanya’s longtime striking coach, reflected on the loss, stating that they made a mistake in the fight. He acknowledged that Imavov’s team recognized and capitalized on this error, indicating they had planned for it.
Adesanya, who appeared in peak physical condition before the fight, expressed uncertainty about his future in MMA. He mentioned needing time to relax and think about his next steps, while also offering to help his teammates with upcoming fights. The loss has raised questions about how long Adesanya will continue in the sport, but his legacy as a former champion remains intact.


  1. What was the outcome of Israel Adesanya’s fight against Nassourdine Imavov?
    Adesanya lost the fight via knockout in the second round.
  2. How many consecutive defeats has Israel Adesanya suffered?
    This was his third consecutive defeat.
  3. What did Mike Angove, Adesanya’s striking coach, attribute the loss to?
    Angove stated that they made a mistake in the fight, which Imavov’s team capitalized on.

  4. What is Israel Adesanya’s current stance on his fighting future?
    Adesanya is uncertain about his future in MMA and needs time to think about his next steps.

  5. How did Adesanya appear before the fight?
    He appeared in peak physical condition before the fight.


Israel Adesanya’s recent loss to Nassourdine Imavov has left his future in MMA uncertain. Despite his peak physical condition before the fight, he was unable to overcome the strategic mistake made by his team. The reflection by his coach highlights the importance of strategy and preparation in combat sports. As Adesanya takes time to reassess his career, fans and the MMA community await his next move.


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