Excitement is building as Israel Adesanya is set to face Nassourdine Imavov in a thrilling main event at UFC Fight Night on February 2nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Notably, this fight marks a special moment for Adesanya, as it will be his first non-pay-per-view event in over seven years, making it accessible for many fans. With both fighters eager to make their mark, there’s a lot to unpack ahead of this highly anticipated showdown.
‘The Last Stylebender’ is back.
Israel Adesanya, often nicknamed ‘The Last Stylebender,’ has a chance to prove he still has what it takes after dealing with two recent losses. The 35-year-old fighter has held the title of UFC middleweight champion and boasts an impressive record of 24 wins and 4 losses. He is looking to bounce back and regain his confidence in the octagon against a rising star in Nassourdine Imavov.
UFC Fight Night Details
The action will take place in the vibrant atmosphere of Riyadh on Sunday, February 2nd, with the main card kicking off at 12 p.m. ET. Early prelims are set to begin at 9 a.m. ET, providing fans a full day of exciting fights. This event is particularly significant for Adesanya, who has faced title challenges in his previous outings and seeks to stop any hints of a losing streak.
About the fighters
Nassourdine Imavov, the 29-year-old challenger, carries his own momentum into the fight with a record of 15 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest. Known for his striking skills and determination, Imavov has been on an impressive winning streak and is aiming for his opportunity at the middleweight title. This matchup is essential for both fighters—it’s a moment to shine and stake their claim in the middleweight division.
Who did they most recently fight?
Adesanya’s last two bouts were challenging, as he faced tough competition and lost both title fights. He will need to demonstrate his ability and skills to regain his standing among the elite fighters. On the other hand, Imavov has showed remarkable growth in his last four fights, emerging victorious each time. These contrasting trajectories make their meeting a pivotal moment in their careers.
What are they saying?
The anticipation is palpable, with both fighters expressing their thoughts leading up to the fight. Adesanya remains confident and has predicted a win by unanimous decision, highlighting his experience and tactical advantage. Meanwhile, Imavov believes there’s added pressure on Adesanya due to his recent losses. This mental edge could play a crucial role in how the fight unfolds.
Who else is on the card?
The card is stacked with amazing fights that fans won’t want to miss. Alongside the main event, the co-main features an exciting matchup between Shara Magomedov and Michael Page, two fighters known for their striking abilities. Heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik will also clash, promising explosive action. Other notable fights include Said Nurmagomedov battling Vinicius Oliveira, and Fares Ziam squaring off against Mike Davis. Each fight adds to the overall thrill of UFC Fight Night.
| Fight Matchup | Fighters |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov |
| Co-Main Event | Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page |
| Heavyweight Bout | Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik |
| Lightweight Bout | Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira |
| Lightweight Bout | Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis |
As the fight approaches, fans are eagerly predicting how each matchup will go down. With an incredible lineup and two top-tier fighters in the main event, UFC Fight Night in Riyadh is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience that no UFC fan should miss. Mark your calendars for February 2nd to catch all the action unfold!