Adesanya hints at UFC retirement
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been tagged as favourite to defeat France’s Nassourdine Imavov in their upcoming main event clash at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to bookmakers, Adesanya is slightly favoured to emerge victorious in what will be his first non-title bout since defeating Anderson Silva in February 2019.
The Nigerian-New Zealander will headline the UFC’s debut show in Saudi Arabia at the ANB Arena, Riyadh on February 1, following consecutive losses to current champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August and Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023.
Despite these recent setbacks, ‘The Last Stylebender’ remains one of the UFC’s biggest draws, boasting an impressive 24-4 record with 16 knockout victories to his name.
Brazilian middleweight contender Caio Barralho revealed that the 35-year-old opted to face seventh-ranked Imavov instead of him following discussions between both parties.
His opponent Imavov enters the bout in red-hot form, riding a three-fight winning streak following victories over Brendan Allen at UFC Paris in September, along with wins against Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze.
Adesanya, known for his striking finesse and unorthodox fighting style, has already begun preparations for what many consider a strategic matchup to help him regain momentum in the division.
A victory against the rising French star could propel Adesanya closer to a historic third reign as middleweight champion, with potential rematches against Strickland or du Plessis on the horizon.
The event will be part of Riyadh Season’s ambitious sports programme, as Saudi Arabia continues to cement its growing influence in global sports.
In the co-main event, Michael “Venom” Page moves up to middleweight to face undefeated striker Shara Magomedov, who is coming off a spectacular double-spinning back fist knockout of Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 in October, his 12th knockout in 15 professional wins.
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