UFC Saudi Arabia: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov: Full video highlights

Israel Adesanya faced Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Feb. 1. The main card started at 12 noon ET / 9 am PT, while the preliminary card kicked off at 9 am ET / 6 am PT.

This bout marked Adesanya's first non-title fight since defeating Anderson Silva in February 2019. The No.2-ranked Adesanya was coming off consecutive losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis. In contrast, No.5-ranked Imavov was on a three-fight win streak.

Imavov pressed forward and employed a grappling-heavy strategy early in the fight. However, Adesanya successfully denied the takedowns and launched diverse attacks targeting his opponent’s head, body, and legs.

Despite failing to bring the fight to the ground, Imavov persisted, likely to keep Adesanya focused on defense. While Adesanya looked sharp in the opening seconds of Round 2, a powerful overhand right from Imavov sent him crashing against the cage.

Imavov followed up with a left uppercut, knocking the former champion out, and then pounded him with several more strikes. Referee Marc Goddard quickly intervened to stop the action.

The fight concluded at the 0:30 mark of Round 2, with Imavov being declared the winner by knockout.

Check out the Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov full video highlights below:

The headliners arrive at the arena:

Lockerroom moments before the fight:

The fight is on:

Adesanya outworks in the stand-up:

Imavov knocks Adesanya down and out:

Imavov is declared the winner by knockout:

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