by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has vowed to return to the octagon despite suffering his third straight loss and second career knockout against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander addressed fans on social media after the second-round TKO defeat, showing his trademark resilience.
“As real as it gets, @ufc. Rolled the dice…snake eyes. I’ll be back, gone to get some milk,” Adesanya wrote.
The 35-year-old had hoped to end his losing streak after previous defeats to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305. However, his comeback attempt was halted by the surging French contender.
Despite a strong start with damaging leg kicks, Adesanya was rocked late in the first round by a stiff shovel hook. Imavov capitalized in the second round, dropping Adesanya with a powerful right hand before finishing him with ground strikes, prompting referee Marc Goddard to stop the fight.
This marks the first time in six years that Adesanya has competed without a title at stake, bringing his professional record to 24 wins (16 knockouts) and 4 losses. Three of those defeats have come in the past year.
Before the fight, Adesanya had downplayed retirement talks, asserting, “I’m always in the title picture. That’s because I’m Israel Adesanya, and I’ve done so much in this game.”
Following the loss, fans were divided on his future. Some urged him to retire, while others expressed support for his resilience and skill.
“You got nothing left to prove, brother! Leave the game,” one fan commented.
Others, however, encouraged him to keep going. “You looked sharp tonight. Everyone gets caught—it’s part of the game. Rest up and come back stronger.”
For Imavov (15-4), this victory marks the biggest of his career and could put him in line for a title shot following wins over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen.
Though Adesanya recently joked about being a “gatekeeper” in the sport, his defiant response suggests he isn’t ready to step away just yet.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya endured his third straight defeat and second career knockout loss on Saturday night, falling to Nassourdine Imavov via second-round TKO in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander was aiming to bounce back from consecutive losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis but was halted by the surging French contender. Adesanya had early success with low kicks, but Imavov rocked him late in the first round with a shovel hook and a powerful right hand.
The fight ended early in the second round when Imavov dropped Adesanya with a massive right hand, followed by an uppercut and ground strikes, prompting referee Marc Goddard to stop the bout.
Adesanya, 35, had played down concerns about his future before the fight, stating he would always be in the title picture. However, this defeat marks his first non-title fight in six years, leaving questions about his next move. His record now stands at 24 wins (16 KOs) and five losses.
For Imavov (15-4), the win is the biggest of his career, potentially positioning him for a title shot after previous victories over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen.
Adesanya recently joked about becoming a “gatekeeper,” fueling speculation about what lies ahead for the former champion.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | Boxing, Ghana
Ghanaian boxer Musah Lawson, a standout from the Ghana Prisons Service, is set to return to the ring on March 6, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena. He will face a formidable opponent in hard-hitting Alidu Sulemana.
Speaking on The Big Fight Night Show on Omashi TV, Lawson expressed concerns about his extended amateur career but remains confident in his skills and ambitions. A former Black Bombers member, he spent seven years representing Ghana and has been a professional for four years, though he struggles to secure regular fights.
Lawson, also known as ‘Awoo Dade,’ dreams of becoming a world champion. While his brothers in Canada have supported him in winning a national title, he now seeks a manager and promoter to take him to the international stage.
Despite a single professional loss in an unprepared catchweight contest, he has gained experience and is ready for greater challenges. He expressed gratitude to the Ghana Prisons Service, his coaches—including Dr. Ofori Asare, Ebenezer Quaye (Akpenator), and Coach Sulemana—and his supporters for their unwavering backing.
Musah Lawson’s determination remains unshaken as he looks forward to proving himself among the best in his division.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | Boxing, Ghana
LONDON – Callum Simpson showcased his skill and composure to successfully defend his Commonwealth super-middleweight title, stopping a determined but limited Elvis Ahorgah in the fifth round at Wembley Arena.
What initially seemed like a challenging bout ended emphatically at 1:53 of round five when Simpson landed a decisive right-left combination, flooring the 24-year-old Ghanaian for the first time. Ahorgah struggled to recover, prompting referee Howard Foster to step in and halt the contest.
Simpson, who had made a quick work of Steed Woodall in his previous defense on January 11, was called upon as a late addition to the card after the cancellation of the Viddal Riley-Isaac Chamberlain bout. He embraced the opportunity, setting a high tempo from the outset.
Though Ahorgah landed some wild but effective shots early on—leaving swelling near Simpson’s right eye—the champion’s superior speed and technique proved decisive. In the fifth, Simpson delivered a punishing right hand that visibly hurt Ahorgah before sealing the victory with a follow-up combination.
Elsewhere on the card, Moldova’s Aurel Ignat stunned Scott Forrest, handing him his first career defeat with a first-round stoppage in just 1:53. Despite high expectations for Forrest, Ignat’s precise power punches forced an early intervention from the referee.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah, CEO of Wendy Foundation, has extended a congratulatory message to the newly appointed Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams MP.
In her message, she emphasized Wendy Foundation’s commitment to advocating for and supporting physically challenged athletes. She urged the Minister to prioritize and create more opportunities for disabled sports federations and disciplines.
Ms. Sampah also praised the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for hosting an outstanding 49th Awards ceremony, despite the absence of the headline artiste she had hoped to dance to. She commended all award winners, nominees, and the organizing committee for their hard work.
Additionally, she applauded the Women In Sports Association (WISA) for honoring high jumper Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, who was later named Best Sports Personality of 2024 by SWAG.
Highlighting Ghana’s abundant sporting talent—both able-bodied and disabled—she called on the government to ensure fairness in resource distribution. She also advocated for the Black Challenge team, winners of the African Cup, to receive their well-deserved bonuses.
