1. Nassourdine Imavov’s Career-Defining Moment

In the main event of UFC Fight Night 250, French middleweight Nassourdine Imavov (16-4) delivered a stunning upset by knocking out former two-time champion Israel Adesanya (24-5) just 30 seconds into Round 2. Known as “The Sniper,” Imavov shocked fans with a crushing right hand that floored Adesanya, followed by a fight-ending uppercut and ground strikes. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in to stop the contest, marking Adesanya’s third consecutive loss and his first non-title defeat since 2019.

After the fight, Imavov made a bold statement: “I proved I was the better striker. Now, the real bonus is fighting for the belt. Four victories in one year—the results speak for themselves.” With this win, he positions himself as the top contender in the 185-pound division, awaiting the winner of the upcoming Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland title bout at UFC 312.

Key Stats:

• Adesanya landed more strikes (32–18) in Round 1 but failed to deter Imavov’s aggression.
• Imavov’s four-fight win streak includes victories over Jared Cannonier and Adesanya, solidifying his elite status.

2. Merab Dvalishvili: The Silent Contender

Although Merab Dvalishvili wasn’t featured at UFC Fight Night 250, the Georgian bantamweight remains a pivotal figure in MMA. Fresh off a victory over Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili continues to push for a title shot. His relentless grappling and high-paced style make him a formidable opponent, and fans eagerly anticipate his next move in the stacked 135-pound division.

3. UFC Fight Night 250: Full Results and Highlights

The Saudi Arabia card delivered electrifying action beyond the main event. Here’s a breakdown of key results:

Main Card:

• Michael “Venom” Page def. Shara Magomedov via unanimous decision: Page’s elusive striking and showmanship outclassed Magomedov, handing “Bullet” his first career loss.
• Sergei Pavlovich def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik via unanimous decision: A tactical heavyweight bout criticized for its lack of action, but Pavlovich’s control earned him the win.
• Vinicius Oliveira def. Said Nurmagomedov via decision: A back-and-forth bantamweight war established “Lok Dog” as a rising contender.
• Fares Ziam extended his win streak to five with a dominant decision over Mike Davis.

Prelims:

• Heavyweight Shamil Gaziev scored a brutal first-round KO of Thomas Petersen.
• Terrance McKinney needed just 2:01 to TKO Damir Hadžović, showcasing his explosive power.

Bonuses:

• Fight of the Night: Oliveira vs. Nurmagomedov.
• Performance of the Night: Imavov and Bogdan Grad.

4. What’s Next for Adesanya?

Adesanya’s future is under scrutiny after three straight losses. At 35, “The Last Stylebender” hinted at taking time off, stating, “I have to chill and think about things... Shoutout to Nassourdine for that.” UFC CEO Dana White defended Adesanya, praising his first-round performance but acknowledging the knockout’s impact. Whether this marks a decline or a temporary setback is a hot topic among fans.

5. Middleweight Title Picture Heats Up

With Imavov’s breakthrough performance, the 185-pound division is more competitive than ever. The upcoming Du Plessis-Strickland rematch at UFC 312 will determine his next opponent, but rising threats like Khamzat Chimaev are also in the mix. Imavov’s precision striking and composure under pressure make him a compelling challenger.

Final Thoughts

UFC Fight Night 250 was a night of upsets and revelations. Imavov’s knockout of Adesanya reshapes the middleweight hierarchy, while veterans like Michael Page continue to prove that experience matters. As Merab Dvalishvili remains a force in the bantamweight division, the MMA world braces for more seismic shifts in 2025.