With Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imamov are set to struggle on February 1st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at UFC Combat Night time 250. The previous two-time middleweight champion shall be trying to get again within the win column. Now on a two-fight dropping streak to the likes of former champion Sean Strickland and the present South African champion in Dricus Du Plessis. The previous middleweight king is trying to make a press release, that he’s nonetheless a contender within the division he dominated over for a very long time. Nonetheless, his opponent on this change is not any straightforward match-up for “The Final Stylebender.”
Nassourdine Imamov
Nassourdine Imamov prior to now yr has been very profitable in his personal proper. With him happening a 3-fight win streak in 2024, and is now trying to begin off 2025 with a bang. Because the Frenchman shall be trying to get a profession spotlight gained over one the best middleweights in UFC historical past. Since switching trainers, Nassourdine Imamov has seemingly reworked from his kickboxing-reliant fashion to a full-blown blended martial artist after his loss to Sean Strickland in 2023. Completely revamping his fashion and with the ability to win on the highest stage of the division.
Israel Adesanya’s decline and Nassourdine Imamov’s rise
With the previous champion on a two-fight dropping streak, many are questioning if Israel Adesanya continues to be championship stage, and a win over a surging prospect in Nassourdive Imamov will make sure to silence the various critics he has amassed over his illustrious profession. Particularly a younger prospect most recognized for his glorious placing prowess. Nonetheless, a fighter like Nassourdine Imamov is nobody to miss and the previous is certainly not doing that. As he sees himself because the older veteran now dealing with down a younger fighter trying to acquire fame off his head
“I really feel just like the man, just like the outdated canine. After which there’s the younger guys arising making an attempt to show themselves, so it’s my job to ship them again down and allow them to know I’m nonetheless right here.”
The previous champ Israel Adesanya mentioned in his press convention about his upcoming bout
Nonetheless, the at the moment ranked #5 within the division Nassourdine Imavov is trying to take the scalp of the previous champion with vicious intent. As his earlier showings have been way more aggressive and technical. Comparable to his brutal end of the title challenger Jared Cannonier, regardless of the controversial stoppage. Then going to win in an clever vogue in opposition to fellow rising star and ranked contender in Brendan Allen. In a bout the place Imamov would face nice adversity within the first spherical, however would come to out-grapple and outwork Brendan Allen within the latter half of the struggle.
Displaying nice enhancements in grappling ability, his struggle IQ, and general changing into a greater blended martial artist and never simply counting on his apparent power. Israel Adesanya’s high-level kickboxing is an issue for anybody within the division.
Nonetheless regardless of Nassourdine Imamov’s rise and Israel Adesanya’s decline within the rankings. The betting odds nonetheless have the previous champion as a slight favourite to defeat Imamov.