Whether or not it was choreographed dance entrances or elaborate knockout celebrations, Israel Adesanya introduced a unique kind of pleasure to the UFC’s middleweight division throughout his title reign.
Since dropping the title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023, Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) will get a “boring” vibe from his division.
“The Final Stylebender” returns to motion in opposition to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Combat Night time 250 on Feb. 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (ESPN+). Adesanya will enter his first non-title struggle in six years in opposition to an opponent in Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) who retains a low profile, not like his current opponents corresponding to Strickland and present champion Dricus Du Plessis, who hardly ever shrink back from a scorching mic.
“It’s at all times good to combine issues up, however once more, that is simply combating,” Adesanya informed MMA Junkie. “It’ll be fairly boring within the lead as much as this struggle for the followers that like that form of stuff, however the struggle’s gonna be very thrilling. That’s the sauce on this one.”
Adesanya, 35, didn’t recapture the middleweight throne at UFC 305, shedding by submission to Du Plessis. For the primary time in his MMA profession, Adesanya has misplaced back-to-back fights, which places him in a little bit of unfamiliar territory.
“For me, it’s simply proving to myself that I’m nonetheless that dude,” Adesanya mentioned. “I do know I’m the most effective, if not the very best. I nonetheless really feel like I’m enhancing and I see the work that I do. I really feel the work that I do, and I simply wish to present the world the work that I’m doing.”
The struggle kicks off a busy month for the UFC’s middleweight division. A number of key names are in motion that would shake up the complete division. With matchups corresponding to Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 for the title, Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues, Michael Web page vs. Shara Magomedov and Anthony Hernandez vs. Brendan Allen, the division Adesanya as soon as dominated may look vastly completely different by March.
“I didn’t know that each one these different fights had been within the month of February,” Adesanya mentioned. “However yeah, thrilling occasions for 185. However to be trustworthy, 185 feels boring with out me. So yeah, I wish to go in there and simply make it fascinating.”
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