Adesanya and Imavov meet at a crossroads in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Do not let Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov’s calm demeanors fool you, there is a lot at stake for them at UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Adesanya defends his position among the middleweight elite against a rising contender looking to change his life in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Adesanya (24-4) finds himself in an unusual position, competing in his first non-title fight since beating Anderson Silva in February 2019. It’s also his first non-pay-per-view fight since July 2018. Coming off two consecutive losses, the stakes are high for him. He must win to retain his status among the middleweight elite.

“Not really. I put the pressure on myself,” Adesanya said. “Middleweight is where I’m at so I’m chilling, doing my own thing.”

Imavov (15-4, 1 NC) has been relentless in his pursuit of success. This upcoming fight marks his fourth appearance in just over a year. A victory could secure him a shot at the middleweight title, but he downplays the pressure.

“The pressure is on his side,” Imavov stated. “I know he hates not being a champion.”

UFC Fight Night card, odds

Favorite	Underdog	Weight class
Israel Adesanya -165	Nassourdine Imavov +140	Middleweight
Sharabutdin Magomedov -190	Michael Page +160	Middleweight
Sergei Pavlovich -320	Jarizinho Rozenstruik +250	Heavyweight
Said Nurmagomedov -160	Vinicius Oliveira +135	Bantamweight
Mike Davis -145	Fares Ziam +122	Lightweight

Viewing Information

Date: Feb. 1 | Start time: 12 p.m. ET (main card)
Location: anb Arena – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
TV channel: ESPN+

Prediction

Adesanya should be a bigger betting favorite than the odds indicate. Despite facing tough opponents in his last two fights, Adesanya remains a championship-caliber fighter. Imavov’s diverse skills will challenge Adesanya, but the former champion has proven to maintain control over fights. Imavov lacks a standout skill that could overwhelm Adesanya, making a clear path to victory uncertain.

Adesanya via Unanimous Decision.