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Israel Adesanya will try to snap a two-fight losing streak next weekend, as he fights Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia.
Adesanya, a former two-time UFC middleweight champion, enters Riyadh on the back of two straight defeats: a submission by Dricus Du Plessis in August, and a shock points loss to Sean Strickland in 2023.
The defeat by Strickland, an all-time UFC upset, marked the end of Adesanya’s second title reign, before he failed to regain the belt from Strickland’s successor Du Plessis.
But Adesanya, a modern great, is the bookies’ favourite in this main event with Imavov, despite the former champion’s poor form and his opponent’s win streak.
French contender Imavov enters this fight after three straight wins, having seen off Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze in a stellar 2024.
And next week’s co-main event brings more middleweight action, as London’s Michael “Venom” Page fights Shara Magomedov. Here’s all you need to know.
When is UFC Saudi Arabia?
Next week’s UFC Fight Night will take place at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday 1 February. The prelims will start at 2pm GMT (6am PT / 8am CT / 9am ET), with the main card following at 5pm GMT (9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET).
How can I watch it?
The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. Discovery+ will also air the action in the UK. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the event live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
Odds
Adesanya – 4/7; Imavov – 7/5
Magomedov – 8/15; Page – 7/5
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Full card (subject to change)
Main card
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov (middleweight)
Shara Magomedov vs Michael “Venom” Page (middleweight)
Sergei Pavlovich vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (heavyweight)
Said Nurmagomedov vs Vinicius Oliveira (bantamweight)
Ikram Aliskerov vs Andre Muniz (middleweight)
Muhammad Naimov vs Kaan Ofli (featherweight)
Prelims
Shamil Gaziev vs Thomas Petersen (heavyweight)
Bolaji Oki vs Abdul-Kareem Al-Sewady (lightweight)
Terrance McKinney vs Damir Hadzovic (lightweight)
Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis (lightweight)
Bogdan Grad vs Lucas Alexander (featherweight)
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs Jamal Pogues (heavyweight)
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