The Saudi Arabia Breakdown
 

Adesanya started strong in the main event, controlling the first round with his signature precision
and movement. However, the fight turned in the second round when an accidental eye poke
forced him to switch stances. Instead of taking recovery time, he opted to continue—a decision
that proved costly. Imavov capitalized on the compromised position, landing a fight-ending right
hook followed by ground strikes that sealed Adesanya’s fate. Post-fight, Adesanya admitted, “I
should have taken time... I was at the wrong distance” but refused to make excuses, crediting
Imavov’s skill.

A Pattern Emerges
 

Analysts note a troubling trend: Adesanya’s recent losses (to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis,
and Imavov) share a common thread. He dominates early but falters under pressure, often due
to tactical errors. Coach Eric Nicksick highlighted Adesanya’s stance switch in the Imavov fight
as a critical misstep: “His stance switched forward without any offense... Imavov reacted
brilliantly” . This vulnerability In high-stakes moments contrasts sharply with his earlier career,
where he defended the middleweight title five times and became the only fighter to defeat Alex
Pereira in the UFC.

Emotional Toll and Legacy Concerns
 

Sources close to Adesanya reveal he’s grappling emotionally with the slump. UFC analyst Chael
Sonnen observed, “He is very hurt, as a person... this isn’t just about fighting.”. Despite his
confidence in his legacy—“God forbid if I lose my next 10 fights, it wouldn’t affect my legacy”—
the losses have practical consequences. Sonnen warns a defeat to 6-ranked Imavov could push
Adesanya off pay-per-view cards and title contention, signaling a stark decline.

The Road Ahead
 

Adesanya’s reliance on counter-striking and athleticism demands near-flawless execution—a
margin for error that’s vanishing as younger fighters study his patterns. While his past
achievements (including record-breaking crowds and iconic victories) cement his place in MMA
history, the UFC’s relentless pace leaves little room for reinvention. Whether he can adapt his
style or regain mental resilience remains uncertain, but for now, the aura of “The Last
Stylebender” hangs in the balance.