Two time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will be returning to the Octagon in search for first victory in his last three bouts and he only won one of his last five fights.
Opponent, Venue, Time
He will be going head to head with Nassourdine Imavov on Saturday 1st February 2025 in Saudi Arabia, at the anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by 7 pm Nigerian time but subject to undercards duration which billed to start at 3 pm Nigerian time.
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Expectations
Israel Adesanya will look to end his run of two consecutive UFC fights and a career defining moment that’s going to be for him; win or lost.
The Last Stylebender lost his middleweight belt to Sean Strickland in September 2023 before he was submitted by South African, Dircus Du Plessis in August 2024 after promising so much.
Surely, his form will be a subject of discussion and his readiness to restore some pride and return to challenge for titles.
The Last Style Bender, 35, will have hands filled as Imavov is younger, probably hungrier and no doubt in much better form.
The French fighter at 28 years old has been on the ascendancy, winning his last three UFC contests and is looking to get himself in contention for a title in a sharp contrast to Adesanya’s form whose sole is to redeem his dwindling reputation in the game.
Both fighters have lost four career fights which include a loss to Sean Strickland with Adesanya banking on his experience having had more high profile fights, high profile victories and more victories, 20 victories compared to Imanov 15 victories which slightly give him the favourite tag.
Despite the fact that the fight is a non-title fight, the popularity of Adesanya will attract fans to the Arena and no wonder last the main event of UFC fight Night 250.
It’s all for Adesanya to lose, the weight of expectations is surely on him and his numerous die hard fans can hope he won’t crumble under the weight and pressure of winning his first fight after back to back loses
