Imavov (16-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) emerged as a potential title contender when he knocked out former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 250 headliner at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Israel Adesanya has played down claims that his loss to Nassourdine Imavov came via an early stoppage, after the former champion fell to a third straight defeat.

Do not let Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov's calm demeanors fool you, there is a lot at stake for them at UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Adesanya defends his position among the middleweight elite against a rising contender looking to change his life in Riyadh,