The UFC middleweight division is on the brink of a seismic shift, and Nassourdine Imavov stands at the epicenter of it all. After a winless 2023, the Paris-based powerhouse turned his career around with a sensational 2024 campaign. Now, on February 1, he faces the ultimate test—former champion Israel Adesanya in a high-stakes five-round battle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Can Imavov pull off the upset of the year and punch his ticket to a title shot?
From the Ashes of 2023 to a Breakout 2024
MMA is a brutal sport where only the strong survive, and Imavov has proven he belongs among the elite. After a year of frustration in 2023—marked by a loss to Sean Strickland, an unfortunate no-contest against Chris Curtis, and visa issues that kept him sidelined—Imavov knew he had to evolve or risk fading into obscurity.
A camp switch to Venum Training Camp under Nicolas Ott proved to be a game-changer. His first step toward redemption came in February 2024, when he squared off against Roman Dolidze. Though the fight wasn’t without controversy—thanks to an illegal kick that cost him a point—Imavov ultimately got his hand raised, breaking a 15-month dry spell.
That win ignited a run that saw him take down two of the division’s biggest names—Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen. The Cannonier fight, a Louisville headliner, was a proving ground. The former title challenger was expected to be next in line for gold, but Imavov dismantled him, earning a fourth-round TKO in a performance that many believe solidified him as a true title contender.
Then came Allen, a fighter riding a scorching seven-fight win streak. Billed as a showdown between two rising stars, Imavov left no doubts about his superiority. His takedown defense and striking precision overwhelmed Allen, earning him a decisive victory. Three fights, three wins—Imavov was back, and the MMA world was taking notice.
A Chance to Shock the World Against Israel Adesanya
Now, with all the momentum on his side, Imavov faces the biggest challenge of his career—taking on Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, one of the most decorated middleweights in UFC history. Adesanya is coming off a stunning loss to Sean Strickland and has been absent from competition, but overlooking him would be a grave mistake. The former two-time champ remains one of the best pure strikers in the sport.
However, Imavov believes the timing couldn’t be better. With Adesanya potentially showing signs of slowing down and the middleweight division undergoing a shake-up, this could be the changing of the guard. A victory over Adesanya in Riyadh would catapult Imavov straight into title contention, possibly setting up a showdown with the winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 298.
The Biggest Fight of His Life—And a Career-Defining Moment
Everything is on the line for Nassourdine Imavov. He has clawed his way back from the depths of disappointment to within striking distance of UFC gold. But the question remains—Can he do what Strickland did and break Adesanya’s puzzle?
On February 1, the world will find out.
📅 UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov
📍 Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
📺 Live on ESPN+ – Prelims at 9 AM ET | Main Card at 12 PM ET