‘I almost forgot how great I was’

Israel Adesanya doesn’t lack any motivation forward of his first UFC non-title struggle in years.

Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) will look to snap a two-fight dropping skid when he meets Nassourdine Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) Feb. 1 within the UFC Battle Evening 250 headliner at ANB Area in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In his first reign as UFC middleweight champion, Adesanya defended his title 5 occasions. He was in a position to recapture the belt by knocking out longtime rival Alex Pereira, however went on to lose back-to-back title fights to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.

“The Stylebender” is a shoe-in for a spot within the UFC Corridor of Fame sometime, however why is he nonetheless combating?

“As a result of I can – and I’m actually, actually, actually good at it,” Adesanya mentioned on his YouTube channel. “I virtually forgot how nice I used to be, however then not too long ago I simply realized like, ‘F*ck, I’m good at this sh*t.’ I overlook as a result of – causes, however yeah, it’s good to remind your self. I preserve saying, ‘Ya’ll will need to have forgot.’ F*ck, I virtually forgot.”

Imavov is a rising middleweight contender, however doesn’t maintain the identify worth of the likes of Pereira, Du Plessis or Strickland simply but. Nevertheless, that doesn’t change Adesanya’s motivation.

“I do know he’s harmful. I do know he’s slick. I like his model,” Adesanya mentioned of Imavov. “Not dangerous footwork. He’s harmful – very well-rounded. It’s not about him, it’s about me. It’s about enhancing, simply penning this chapter.

“I like the best way issues are taking part in out. It’s about me and simply enhancing and actually displaying what I can actually do within the full vary of blended martial arts. You’ve received a motherf*cker swinging at you, attempting to take your head off – you higher be up.”

For now, Adesanya is simply having fun with the method.

“I’ve achieved my goals on this recreation,” Adesanya mentioned. “I nonetheless have some extra goals to attain, however the primary ones I’ve (achieved). (I need to) simply get pleasure from this sh*t. I’m going to undoubtedly get a submission (earlier than I retire). That’s undoubtedly a giant one. I don’t even care in regards to the belt. I need to get somebody’s f*cking ankle or neck.”