Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya returns to the Octagon on February 1 against Russian-born Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. At 35, Nigerian-born Adesanya has been talking about retirement. Still, before he hangs his gloves, the “Last Stylebender” must find a way to return to the win column following consecutive losses. He is up against streaking Nassourdine Imavov, who has been unbeaten in four fights. Competing in a non-title bout for the first time since 2019, Adesanya is the oddsmakers' favorite.
Bet on Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Middleweight
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh
Date: 01.02.2025 22:30
Israel Adesanya
“The Last Stylebender” lost twice in a row for the first time in his career when he was submitted in the fourth round of their championship bout by South African middleweight king Dricus du Plessis last August. The South African claimed the title from Sean Strickland, who defeated Adesanya in September 2023 by unanimous decision to become the 185-pound champ. Israel Adesanya had previously dominated the division, defending the middleweight crown five times before losing it to Alex Pereira in late 2022. Adesanya reclaimed the title with a sensational KO of Brazilian Pereira to hand his former Glory kickboxing rival his only UFC loss. Adesanya, who is ranked number two in the middleweight class, says he is now happier with his career after the heartache of the two surprising losses.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 35
- Height: 6’4”
- Reach: 80”
- Weight: 185lbs (84kg)
- Record: 24-4
When will I? I don’t know… I’m 35 now. I know I’m over halfway, and I’m definitely a few years away, maybe three years away. But who knows? I know I don’t want to be fighting at 40. If what I’ve already done won’t make me happy, what will? I’m happy, but I’m not content,” he said, hinting at a few more goals he wishes to achieve before stepping away from the cage.
Nassourdine Imavov
The number five ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imanov won his three fights in 2024, securing decisions over Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze with a TKO of Jared Cannonier sandwiched in between. The Dagestani-born Frenchman debuted in the UFC in 2020 and has seven wins, two losses, and a no contest. His last setback in the Octagon was a decision loss to Sean Strickland in January 2023 in his light heavyweight debut. “The Sniper’s” resume also includes wins over Joaquin Buckley and Edmen Shahbazyan.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 6’3”
- Reach: 75”
- Weight: 185lbs (84kg)
- Record: 15-3-1 (NC)
This is my first time losing twice in a row. The first one, I was like, 'Ah f***. What could I have done differently?' The second one, I was like, 'Okay. I tried my best, but I could have done better.' Now it's like... You just can't take it personally.
Betting Odds
Nassourdine Imavov is a 2.40 underdog on Bet365. A win inside the distance is 2.25 on 1xBet, with Israel Adesanya winning in round 1-3 is 5.5 odds. Under 4.5 is 2.11 odds on Betway. Read more here.
Bet on Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov with 1xBet
