* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.
As the UFC gears up for its first event of 2025, all eyes are set on the thrilling main event featuring former champion Israel Adesanya taking on rising star Nassourdine Imavov in a pivotal middleweight clash. Scheduled for February 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this fight promises to be a significant moment not only for the fighters involved but for the entire 185-pound division.
Adesanya, known as "The Last Stylebender," enters the octagon with a professional record of 24 wins and 4 losses, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC middleweight division. Notably, he is coming off his first two-fight losing streak, a tough patch in his otherwise stellar career. His last victory was in April 2023, and since then, he has faced setbacks against Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. With a determination to reclaim his status, this fight against Imavov is crucial for Adesanya to halt the skid and maintain his position as a top contender in the division.
Nassourdine Imavov, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 15-4-0-1 record and is currently ranked fifth in the UFC middleweight rankings. Imavov enters this fight on a four-fight unbeaten streak, including a noteworthy victory over Brendan Allen. His recent performances have showcased his all-rounded skills and resilience, making him a formidable opponent for the former champion. A win against Adesanya could catapult Imavov into title contention, making this matchup particularly thrilling.
UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Card Overview
The UFC Saudi Arabia card is stacked with intriguing matchups that will not only feature the main event but also a co-main event showcasing Shara "Bullet" Magomedov against Michael "Venom" Page. Magomedov is another fighter to watch, coming off a stunning knockout performance and looking to extend his unbeaten streak. Page, a veteran known for his striking prowess, will aim to bounce back from recent losses and prove he still belongs in the upper echelon of the sport.
| Matchup | Fighters |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov |
| Co-Main Event | Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page |
| Heavyweight Bout | Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik |
| Bantamweight Bout | Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira |
| Lightweight Bout | Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis |
| Featherweight Bout | Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli |
How to Watch the Event
The fight night will be taking place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh with the prelims starting at 9:00 AM ET, followed by the main card at 12:00 PM ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ where the atmosphere is set to be electric as fighters from different backgrounds compete on a global stage.
As Israel Adesanya seeks to prove his resilience against the rising talent of Nassourdine Imavov, UFC Saudi Arabia promises not just fierce competition but also a platform for fighters to showcase their skills and ambition in the sport. Who will emerge victorious? Will Adesanya turn the tide on his recent losses, or will Imavov continue his ascent in the middleweight ranks? Make sure to mark your calendars for this event, as it could reshape the landscape of the UFC’s middleweight division.
* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.