‘It’s over’… Israel Adesanya written off by UFC legend following KO in third straight defeat

Israel Adesanya’s career as a top MMA fighter is over, according to UFC legend Michael Bisping.

The former two-time middleweight champion fell to a third consecutive defeat at UFC Saudi Arabia.

Israel Adesanya got knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov inside two rounds on Saturday night.

‘The Last Stylebender’ previously suffered a huge upset loss against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023, before his bad run of form continued when Dricus du Plessis made him tap out at UFC 305 last August.

READ MORE: ‘Get up, Izzy!’… Demetrious Johnson shares furious live reaction to Israel Adesanya getting knocked out

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLCMichael Bisping reacts to Israel Adesanya losing again Adesanya was hoping to put himself in line for a shot at the winner of Du Plessis vs Strickland 2.

Middleweight gold will be on the line when they rematch at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia next weekend.

Michael Bisping believes Adesnaya should forget about trying to become a three-time champion.

The former 185lb titleholder and UFC Hall of Famer believes Adesanya’s time at the top is done.

“The biggest takeaway is that it’s over,” Bisping said on the UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight show.

“Israel Adesanya’s reign as champion, I don’t think will come again. I say that with the greatest of respect and I truly mean that. A future Hall of Famer. But his time at the top is done.”

Will Israel Adesanya fight again? Adesanya initially gave a coy response to questions about his fighting future after UFC Saudi Arabia.

“I don’t know,” he admitted when ESPN MMA asked him what’s next for his legendary MMA career.

“I have to chill and then think about things. I’ll relax first for a little bit just help the teammates that have fights coming up and, yeah, see what I wanna do. I was gonna do that anyway but now I’m forced to, shout out to Nassourdine for that.”

Soon after, Adesanya claimed ‘I’ll be back’ as he posted on social media for the first time since the loss.

“As real as it gets,” he wrote alongside a video of him rewatching the fight.

“Rolled the dice…snake eyes. I’ll be back, gone to get some milk.”

Only time will tell who Adesanya will be matched up with, but he seems likely to fight again in 2025.