Izzy Done?

Following a somewhat shock defeat to Nassourdine Imavov, many are questioning if its the end of the line for Adesanya. I for one, think he does have something left to give in the UFC. Granted, hes now lost three in a row and four of his last five fights, so you have to question where he goes next. However, Adesanya is still a top draw name in the UFC middleweight division and he will still sell out seats in arenas all over the world.
A New Contender to the Throne

While much of the talk will be about Israel Adensanya and what he does next, we need to remember that there is a new contender to the throne in the middleweight division and his name is Nassourdine Imavov. The Frenchman, who is now riding a four fight win-streak, has to be on the cusp of a title shot soon. And it wasn’t just the win that was impressive, it was the manor of it too.
The first round was lively, without either fighter landing anything of great significance. Adesanya tried to push the pace early and looked like a fighter with something to prove. However, he looked comfortable, as did Imavov surprisingly given this was the biggest fight of his career.
The second round started in much the same vain, however, Imavov followed up a stiff jab with an over hand right that sent the former champion down. He swarmed all over his downed opponent reigning down left and rights as Adesanya desperately tried to cover up. After a short while, referee Marc Goddard had seen enough and called an end to the action. Adensanya protested against the stoppage but you could tell from the look on his face that he knew he was a beaten man.
What’s Next for Both?
With the middleweight championship on the line this coming weekend, it would be easy to think Imavov could be in line next for a shot at the winner. However, a certain Khamzat Chimaev certainly has to be in those discussions. Perhaps we could see a title eliminator between Imavov and Chimaev next.
For Adensanya, I think its too early to be thinking retirement for the 35-year-old. However, its clear he has to get back to winning ways and fast. Perhaps a meeting with Michael ‘Venom’ Page could be on the cards soon. Both fighters are known for their striking and it could make for great viewing.
A New Page in the Chapter

Many believed the decision by Michael Page to step up in weight and take on Shara Magomedov was a bad one. However, the Brit has never been one to duck a challenge and his stock has certainly shot up after this one.
This was a fight that not many people wanted and Magomedov was beginning to make a new for himself as the bogeyman of the middleweight division. That’s because prior to this fight the Russian had never lost and in all truth, had never looked like losing. However, he probably never looked like winning this one either.
From the get go, Page frustrated Magomedov with his elusive style and it was clear early on that he didn’t have any of the answers. His frustration grow with every missed attack and as the minutes passed by, the only question left to answer was if Page could maintain his energetic footwork, given his weight gain for the bout. And, that he did, as he ran out a clear winner on points.
Page now has plenty of options ahead of him. He said after the fight that he would probably return to Welterweight after this one, but it would appear that his better options could be in the Middlewight division. For the ‘Bullet’, it will be interesting to see how he responds to the defeat. No doubt, this is just a blip, in a career filled with much promise.
Heavyweights Hard to Watch

After reading the heading to this section, you could be forgiven for thinking this was hard to watch as two very large men beat the hell out of each other, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Given Pavlovich’s and Rozenstruik’s explosive records, many (including myself) thought we would be in for fireworks here. But this one couldn’t even be considered as a sparkler! It was more like someone had forgotten to bring the matches to the fireworks display!
I’ve seen more hits in a chess match than this one but that’s exactly what it felt like at times. You can forgive two heavy hitters for taking a round to feel each other out but the action just never got going. The crowd grew in frustration and boos could be heard all around the arena from the end of the first round. Even referee Mark Smith had to constantly keep reminding the fighters to push the pace.
The third round probably had the most action in it and there were a couple of moments where you thought the fight was going to ignite. But all three rounds ended the same with the Russian on top in ‘Bigi Boy’s’ guard and he ran out a comfortable winner on points.
Nevertheless, it was an important win for Pavlovich who ended a two fight winless streak and he can now set his sites on cementing his place in the top five of the heavyweight division.
Other Fights on the Card
Vinicius Oliveira defeated Said Nurmagomedov via Points Decision
Fares Ziam defeated Mike Davis via Points Decision
Muhammad Naimov defeated Kaan Ofli via Points Decision
Shamil Gaziev defeated Thomas Petersen via First Round TKO
Terrance McKinney defeated Damir Hadzovic via First Round TKO
Jasmine Jasudavicius defeated Mayra Bueno Silva via Points Decision
Bogdan Grad defeated Lucas Alexander via Second Round TKO
Hamdy Abdelwahab defeated Jamal Pogues via Points Decision
Written by Dean McHugh