Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya is contemplating his future after suffering his fourth loss in five fights.
On Saturday, February 1, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the former UFC middleweight champion was defeated in the second round by a sharp shot from Nassourdine Imavov of Russia.
Imavov capitalised on Adesanya’s slump, finishing the fight with ground-and-pound while Adesanya was in a vulnerable position.
Although Adesanya appeared frustrated with the referee’s decision to stop the bout, there was no other option, as allowing the fight to continue could have rendered Adesanya unconscious, GIVEMESPORT reports.
Speaking to the UFC post-fight show after his professional MMA record fell to 24 wins (16 KOs) and five losses, Adesanya stated he wouldn’t make any hasty decisions about his future, including retirement, but suggested it was a decision he would consider in the coming months.
Adesanya has made a significant impact in the UFC, rapidly ascending to championship status, attempting to become a double champion, and becoming one of the sport’s biggest names. However, as swiftly as he rose to the top, he is now quickly falling in the middleweight rankings. It’s uncertain how he can regain a title shot.
When discussing his future, he said: “I have to chill and then think about things.
“I will relax first for a little bit, just help the teammates who have fights coming up, and yeah, see what I want to. I was going to do that anyway, but you know, now I’m forced to. Shoutout to Nassourdine for that.”
He expressed his “disappointment” with the outcome of the fight, especially since he had won the opening round on GIVEMESPORT’s unofficial scorecard, only to be quickly finished in the second round.
The Last Stylebender lamented “disappointing” his fans and team, however, adding, “My team’s still proud of me for the work that I put into this. It’s just the thrill and agony.”
“To be able to feel something so great but also able to feel something so deep and so [frustrating]. It’s a f****** lovely game, but it’s a stupid game at the same time.
“He must be excited to beat a guy like me. But again, I felt good. Round one, I was in control of everything. In hindsight, maybe I should have taken some time. I just didn’t want him to rest because I knew he was tired,” he added.
Adesanya suffered a shock knockout defeat to Imavov.
