On February 1, Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, will step back into the octagon for the first time in a non-title fight since 2019. He is slated to face Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight marks a pivotal point in Adesanya’s career. With a record of 24 wins and 4 losses, the 35-year-old “Last Stylebender” is determined to re-establish himself as a leading force in the middleweight division after experiencing two back-to-back defeats—something that had never happened in his career before.
Adesanya’s journey has had its share of tumult. In September 2023, he suffered a shocking loss, relinquishing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland. This defeat was compounded by a subsequent submission loss to the current champion, Dricus du Plessis, in August of the same year. Such setbacks can often trigger doubts in a fighter’s mind, especially for someone once considered invincible. Nevertheless, Adesanya’s experience and fighting intellect position him as a formidable opponent for Imavov, who stands at No. 5 on the UFC middleweight rankings.
Nassourdine Imavov, a 29-year-old fighter with a record of 15-4, is no stranger to success himself. Hailing from Paris, he has secured victories in his last three contests against notable opponents, including Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier. If Imavov manages to claim victory against Adesanya, he will not only enhance his own reputation but also position himself firmly within the title conversation, especially with the upcoming title fight between Du Plessis and Strickland set for February 9, 2024, at UFC 312.
The excitement doesn’t stop with the main event. The co-main event will feature an exhilarating matchup between undefeated Shara Magomedov and kickboxing star Michael “Venom” Page. With both fighters known for their striking abilities, fans can expect nothing short of a striking spectacle. Magomedov, with a flawless record of 15-0, aims to capitalize on his recent knockout victory against Armen Petrosyan and prove that he belongs among the elite in the middleweight category. Meanwhile, Page, a 37-year-old competitor transitioning from welterweight, will be looking to make impact in a new weight class after a minor setback in his last fight against Ian Machado Garry.
As the UFC Fight Night approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation. Adesanya’s fight against Imavov is more than just a return; it’s a crucial fight that reflects his ability to rebound from adversity. A win could reignite his title aspirations, while a loss might lead to extended questions about his future in the sport. On the other hand, Imavov has everything to gain, potentially claiming a shot at the title. This event promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving story of mixed martial arts, highlighting not only the individual struggles of the fighters but also the competitive nature of the UFC middleweight division.