Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov: Nigerian Stylebender returns to UFC in Saudi Arabia

On February 1, 2025, the UFC will return to Saudi Arabia, and the main event will feature a significant middleweight clash.

Dana White announced on social media that fifth-ranked Nassourdine Imavov will face former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Imavov, the top middleweight contender, has a huge opportunity because a victory would put him in the running for the title at 185 pounds.

Imavov had a fantastic 2024 finishing 3-0 after defeating Roman Dolidze and then stopping Jared Cannonier.

He solidified his status as one of the best in the division by defeating Brendan Allen at UFC Paris to top off the year.

For Israel Adesanya, this February battle will look like uncharted territory.

For the first time since defeating Anderson Silva in 2019, Adesanya will be competing in a non-title bout.

Since then, he has only competed for world titles and has won two middleweight titles.

Adesanya's previous appearance was in September when he faced off against Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight belt.

Even though the bout was fiercely tough, Adesanya lost by submission in the second round.

Despite losing for the second time in a row, Adesanya is not retiring and will be right back in the running for the title if he defeats Imavov in February.