Two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has fallen two places to fourth in the official UFC rankings following his second-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander’s defeat, which marked his third consecutive loss in 12 months, has resulted in a significant shift in the middleweight rankings, with Imavov climbing to the second spot ahead of Khamzat Chimaev.
According to Local Media, despite the French contender’s higher ranking, Chimaev is still expected to challenge the winner of the championship rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
The 35-year-old Adesanya, who entered the bout looking to snap his first-ever consecutive losing streak, had lost his title to Strickland at UFC 293 before suffering another defeat to du Plessis at UFC 305 last August, as his latest setback came after a promising start against Imavov, where he landed several effective low kicks.
