Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is the favorite to defeat France’s Nassourdine Imavov in their highly anticipated main event clash at UFC Fight Night 250. The bout, scheduled for February 1, 2024, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marks Adesanya’s first non-title fight since his victory over Anderson Silva in 2019.
The event will headline the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia, part of Riyadh Season’s expansive sports program. Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” enters the octagon following consecutive losses to current middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Despite these setbacks, the Nigerian-New Zealander remains a top contender with a remarkable 24-4 record, including 16 knockouts.
Imavov, currently ranked seventh, comes into the fight on a three-bout winning streak, with recent victories over Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier, and Roman Dolidze. The matchup is seen as a critical step for Adesanya to regain momentum in the division and possibly secure a historic third reign as middleweight champion.
Adesanya’s decision to face Imavov instead of Brazilian contender Caio Barralho adds intrigue to the clash. Barralho revealed that the 35-year-old opted for the French rising star following discussions between both camps.
The co-main event will feature Michael “Venom” Page making his middleweight debut against undefeated Shara Magomedov, whose spectacular spinning backfist knockout at UFC 308 solidified his reputation as a dangerous striker.
With Riyadh Season as the backdrop, UFC Fight Night 250 is poised to deliver electrifying action as Adesanya looks to reestablish his dominance in the middleweight division.
