Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been tagged as favorite to defeat France’s Nassourdine Imavov of their upcoming foremost occasion conflict at UFC Combat Night time 250 in Saudi Arabia, PUNCH Sports activities Further studies.
In accordance with bookmakers, Adesanya is barely favoured to emerge victorious in what will probably be his first non-title bout since defeating Anderson Silva in February 2019.
The Nigerian-New Zealander will headline the UFC’s debut present in Saudi Arabia on the ANB Enviornment, Riyadh on February 1, following consecutive losses to present champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August and Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023.
Regardless of these latest setbacks, ‘The Final Stylebender’ stays one of many UFC’s largest attracts, boasting a formidable 24-4 document with 16 knockout victories to his identify.
Brazilian middleweight contender Caio Barralho revealed that the 35-year-old opted to face seventh-ranked Imavov as a substitute of him following discussions between each events.
His opponent Imavov enters the bout in red-hot type, using a three-fight profitable streak following victories over Brendan Allen at UFC Paris in September, together with wins in opposition to Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze.
Adesanya, recognized for his putting finesse and unorthodox preventing type, has already begun preparations for what many contemplate a strategic matchup to assist him regain momentum within the division.
A victory in opposition to the rising French star might propel Adesanya nearer to a historic third reign as middleweight champion, with potential rematches in opposition to Strickland or du Plessis on the horizon.
The occasion will probably be a part of Riyadh Season’s formidable sports activities programme, as Saudi Arabia continues to cement its rising affect in world sports activities.
Within the co-main occasion, Michael “Venom” Web page strikes as much as middleweight to face undefeated striker Shara Magomedov, who’s coming off a spectacular double-spinning again fist knockout of Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 in October, his twelfth knockout in 15 skilled wins.
