Sidekick Boxing

Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov: Predictions, Analysis, and Breakdown

The main event of the UFC Fight Card in Saudi Arabia features Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov. Both are ranked in the Middleweight division, 4th and 5th, respectively. Here’s what to know—and who might be a good bet.

Fighters Profiles and Strength

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya has had an up-and-down run lately. He lost his UFC Middleweight Championship in 2023 to Sean Strickland in a 5-round fight. The following year, he lost another chance to reclaim it against Dricus Du Plessis, tapping out to a rear-naked choke in the fourth round.

In 2019, Adesanya was ranked the top MMA fighter. He had a big win in his rematch with Alex Pereira, knocking him out with a counter right to claim victory. Their first fight in 2016, at Glory of Heroes 1, ended in a loss for Adesanya. He also lost the GK 187 lbs Championship to Pereira by unanimous decision in their second fight.

Adesanya became UFC Interim Middleweight Champion in 2019 after beating Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision. He solidified his status with a win over Robert Whittaker, taking the Middleweight title with a counter left hook TKO at UFC 243, earning the Performance of the Night.

He has defended the title against top fighters like Paulo Costa (TKO), Marvin Vettori (unanimous decision), Robert Whittaker (unanimous decision), and Jared Cannonier (unanimous decision). In 2021, he moved up to challenge for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship but lost to Jan Błachowicz by unanimous decision.

Sidekick-Boxing-Official-Gif

Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov, also known as “The Sniper,” recently won against Brendan Allen. He joined the UFC in 2020, with a record of seven wins, two losses, and one no-contest. The no-contest was against Chris Curtis after an accidental clash of heads in the second round.

Imavov’s only title fight was in 2019 at Thunderstrike Fight League 18. He faced Mateusz Głuch for the vacant TFL Welterweight Championship and won by key lock submission.

His last loss came in 2023 against Sean Strickland. Before that, he won his UFC Fight Night bout against Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision. Imavov has also fought top fighters like Jared Cannonier, Edmen Shahbazyan, Ian Heinisch, and others.

What time is the fight?

The fight kicks off live at 9.00 a.m. ET this Saturday.

Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

How can I Watch It?

If you’re interested, you can watch it on ESPN+  Pay-per-view.

SHOP: Ultimate T8 Boxing Gloves

Statistical Matchup

CATEGORYISRAEL ADESANYANASSOURDINE IMAVOV
AGE3528
HEIGHT6’4″6’3″
REACH80.0″75.0″
RECORD24-4-015-4-0
FIGHTING FROMAuckland, New ZealandSalon-de-Provence, France

Keys to Victory

Israel Adesanya`s Path to Success

Israel Adesanya, ranked number four, will look to improve his striking as the slight favorite in this fight. He has shown he can bounce back from losses. The strategy he used to beat Alex will be key here. Imavov has also defeated fighters that Adesanya has struggled against.

Nassourdine Imavov`s Path to Success

Nassourdine Imavov will look to use the same strategy he used against Jared Cannonier in 2024. While less experienced in five-round fights, he has won two out of three. He’s known for making an impact in every fight, and this one will be no different.

Imavov must apply lessons from his loss to Sean Strickland. If he doesn’t finish the fight early, he won’t stand a chance against Adesanya with the judges.

Final Prediction

For Israel Adesanya, a five-round fight isn’t new. After his recent losses, which involved defending or fighting for a title, this fight takes off some of that pressure. There’s no belt on the line. This is about redemption and proving he can still live up to the name “The Last Stylebender” in 2025.

While age isn’t on his side, his UFC experience is a big advantage. I expect him to approach this fight like his bout against Alex Pereira. Knowing when to counter a less defensive fighter will be crucial.

Imavov has faced top-level fighters, many of whom have fought Adesanya in the octagon. This shows he has what it takes to challenge the Stylebender and rise in the ranks.

ISRAEL ADESANYA TO WIN 

ISRAEL ADESANYA TO WIN AND OVER 3.5 ROUND

FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE

READ MORE: UFC Saudi Arabia: Full Fight Card Revealed

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial
Scroll to Top
;