Nassourdine Imavov Gets The Biggest Win Of His Career With A TKO Over Stylebender

WOWWWW what a finish - the biggest of Nassourdine Imavov's career, easily. And I gotta admit, I reeeaaally underestimated him here. When I saw Israel Adesanya ML around -165 this week, I placed an instant (responsible) three units on him and thought Vegas was insane for setting that line. Clearly I was the idiot, though - because even before the finish, Imavov was standing toe-to-toe with Adesanya, applying pressuring, mixing it up with level changes/takedown attempts, and landing some good shots. He wasn't dominating or anything, but it was a super competitive fight while it lasted, and he clearly belonged.

As soon as the second round started, Imavov landed an eye poke that Adesanya waved off (reminiscent of Alex Pereira waving off the referee after Jamahal Hill hit him with a low blow) - and then the former champ was clipped and finished moments later. I guarantee he regrets not taking that five minutes to regroup after that. Adesanya argued the stoppage a little bit, but I didn't see any issues with it myself, and according to Paul Felder on commentary - neither did Adesanya's head coach Eugene Bareman.

Imavov is now right there in the title picture at Middleweight with Khamzat Chimaev, and I'm sure he'll be paying close attention to the DDP/Strickland rematch next weekend. As for Israel Adesanya, I really don't know what's next. I don't think he's "washed" or ready for retirement or anything like some are suggesting, but clearly, it's time to go back to the drawing board for a W.