The UFC is set to make its triumphant return to Saudi Arabia with a stacked fight card headlined by a middleweight clash between former champion Israel Adesanya and the surging Nassourdine Imavov. UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov, scheduled for February 1, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, promises to deliver an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action.
#UFCSaudiArabia is back with a BANG 💥@Stylebender vs @Imavov1 @Shara_Bullet77 vs @MichaelPage247
[ #RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeason ] pic.twitter.com/wCKv38qCmg— UFC (@ufc) December 14, 2024
Adesanya, looking to bounce back from consecutive losses, will face his first non-title bout since 2019. “The Last Stylebender” aims to reclaim his position atop the middleweight division and prove he’s still one of the greatest 185-pounders in UFC history. Standing in his way is the No. 5 ranked Imavov, who enters the bout on a three-fight win streak and sees this as his opportunity to catapult himself into title contention.
UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Card is Stacked!
The co-main event features an intriguing matchup between undefeated sensation Shara Magomedov and the always-entertaining Michael “Venom” Page. Magomedov, fresh off a highlight-reel knockout victory, puts his perfect 15-0 record on the line against the flashy striking of MVP, who returns to the middleweight division for the first time in over a decade.
The main card is rounded out by a series of compelling bouts. Said Nurmagomedov faces Vinicius Oliveira in a bantamweight contest, while Muhammad Naimov takes on Kaan Ofli in a featherweight clash. Lightweight action sees Terrance McKinney square off against Damir Hadzovic.
The full #UFCSaudiArabia card is HERE 🔥
Tickets on sale January 3rd 🎟️
[ #RiyadhSeason @RiyadhSeason ] pic.twitter.com/qptEHkpdP3— UFC (@ufc) December 23, 2024
The preliminary card features a diverse mix of weight classes and rising talents. Heavyweights Hamdy Abdelwahab and Jamal Pogues look to make their mark. Shamil Gaziev faces Thomas Peterson in another heavyweight tilt, and Jordan Leavitt takes on Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwaddy in lightweight action.
Saudi Arabia Continues To Grow In Combat Sports
This event marks the UFC’s second visit to Saudi Arabia, following their debut in the country earlier in 2024. The promotion’s return underscores the growing importance of the Middle Eastern market in the world of combat sports.
For Adesanya, this fight represents a crucial juncture in his career. After losing his title to Sean Strickland and failing to recapture it against Dricus du Plessis, the Nigerian-born New Zealander must prove he still belongs among the elite. Imavov, on the other hand, sees this as his golden ticket to stardom, with a win over a former champion potentially launching him into the title picture.
The Magomedov vs. Page co-main event is generating significant buzz among fans and pundits alike. Magomedov’s knockout power will be put to the test against Page’s unorthodox style and precision striking, in what many predict could be a show-stealing performance.
As the countdown to UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov begins, the eyes of the MMA world turn to Riyadh. With a card stacked from top to bottom with intriguing matchups and potential fireworks, February 1st can’t come soon enough for fight fans around the globe.
