This weekend sees the return of the UFC to Saudi Arabia, with the main event featuring former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and upcoming star Nassourdine Imavov. While Adesanya has experienced defeat in three of his last four matches, these were all title challenges. Imavov, on the other hand, has a current winning streak of three fights and is positioned within the top 5 of the middleweight division. Clearly, this match holds significant potential to determine the next title challenger, particularly if victory favors Imavov.
This match poses a significant challenge for Israel Adesanya, a major figure in the sport, especially having suffered recent defeats. Imavov, a determined and exceptional athlete, could very well prove to be a tough contender for the 35-year-old former champion who is entering the later phase of his career. Adesanya maintains an advantage with his height and reach, which aligns with his fight strategy. However, Imavov, being the younger and presumably more powerful athlete, could leverage this strength in clinch and wrestling scenarios.
It appears that many UFC supporters are beginning to question Adesanya’s capability. His remarkable championship reign seems to be in the past, and at 35 years old, his era might be nearing its end, making way for the succeeding Middleweight generation. As such, the unfavorable matchup can cast Adesanya as a potential gatekeeper for the middleweights.
A noticeable issue when comparing both fighters’ skill sets is Adesanya’s boxing in contrast to Imavov’s. A clear tactic to defeat Adesanya is slowly emerging – pressurize him, close in, and fatigue him in the middle to late rounds. Adesanya’s recent matches show a decline in stamina in later stages, leading to some critical errors resulting in his defeats.
If Adesanya can enter the ring fit and ready to fully utilize his agile footwork, he may succeed in prolonging the fight at a comfortable distance. This can be achieved using his impressive 80″ reach and robust legs. In addition, it would increase his defense against takedown attempts. Adesanya’s boxing appeared greatly improved in his last match, as he displayed advanced skill and landed some formidable combinations against the reigning UFC Middleweight champion.
Imavov recognizes the immense significance of this match for his professional life. Positioned in Saudi Arabia, part of a major event, and matched against a esteemed figure in the sport with a record of 12 consecutive title fights certainly puts Imavov in a high-stakes situation. This fight presents him the opportunity to emerge as a prominent figure in the Middle East and France, while also securing a title match.
The optimal game plan for Imavov this weekend might be to employ the same strategy used by fighters like Du Plessis, Strickland, and Pereira to overcome Adesanya. Applying persistent pressure, wearing him down, and dominating the latter stages of the match could be the key to victory.
Despite recent losses, the forthcoming main event in Saudi Arabia is predicted to end in Adesanya’s favor. It seems challenging to wager against a determined and focussed Adesanya, who has only lost 3 out of his previous 4 bouts. With a mindset to reclaim his status through this performance, Adesanya posses the necessary skills to accomplish this objective.