Israel Adesanya, one of the most dominant figures in the UFC middleweight division, is set to face Nassourdine Imavov in a high-stakes non-title bout on 1 February 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This fight marks a significant turning point in Adesanya’s career as he steps into the octagon without a title on the line for the first time in six years.
Israel Adesanya demoted to a non-title fight for the first time in six years
Adesanya’s upcoming fight follows back-to-back losses that have reshaped his career trajectory.
In September 2023, he lost the middleweight belt to Sean Strickland in a shocking unanimous decision at UFC 293.
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Adesanya was unable to reclaim the belt in a highly anticipated clash against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024, where the South African champion retained his title via a fourth-round submission.
These setbacks have pushed Adesanya, once known for his almost invincible presence in the middleweight division, into unfamiliar territory—a non-title fight.
The bout against Imavov is an opportunity for Adesanya to prove his resilience and reestablish his place in the division.
Despite the challenges, Adesanya’s determination remains unwavering.
He stated recently:
“I’ve been here before. This is a reset, not a defeat.”
Who is Nassourdine Imavov?
Nassourdine Imavov, a rising star in the middleweight division, presents a formidable challenge for Adesanya.
Born in Dagestan, Russia, and now fighting out of Paris, France, the 29-year-old fighter is known for his versatility and technical prowess in the octagon.
Imavov, nicknamed “The Russian Sniper,” boasts a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 4 losses.
He is celebrated for his sharp striking, agility, and well-rounded skill set, which includes strong grappling abilities and impressive fight IQ.
Notably, Imavov’s record includes victories against top contenders such as Joaquin Buckley and Edmen Shahbazyan.
In his most recent fight, Imavov faced Brendan Allen in a closely contested match, losing by unanimous decision.
Despite the loss, Imavov’s performance solidified his reputation as a dangerous and highly technical fighter who is always improving.
