Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya suffered his third consecutive 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, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The Nigerian-born New Zealander entered the fight hoping to end his losing streak after dropping his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and then losing again to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 last August. However, his bid for a comeback was cut short by the rising French contender.

Adesanya started strong, delivering a series of powerful low kicks that unsettled Imavov’s lead leg. However, he ran into trouble late in the first round when Imavov landed a sharp shovel hook that snapped his head back. The former champion also absorbed a heavy right hand in the closing seconds but managed to make it to the next round.

The fight ended quickly in the second round when Imavov, riding a three-fight winning streak, dropped Adesanya with a massive right hand. He followed up with a left uppercut and a series of ground strikes, prompting referee Marc Goddard to step in and stop the contest.