Still More Dreams To Achieve

If Israel Adesanya retired today he would go down as one of the best fighters to ever compete in the UFC middleweight division. However, it seems like the former two-time UFC middleweight champion is nowhere near ending his MMA career, as he is booked to fight in the main event of the upcoming UFC Saudi Arabia fight card, an event that could help the 35-year-old realize at least one of unrealized dreams.

The UFC Saudi Arabia fight card takes place on Saturday, February 1 from ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event streams on ESPN+, with prelims starting at 9 a.m. ET and the main card at 12 noon ET.

UFC Saudi Arabia: Israel Adesanya

Adesanya looked back on his past accomplishments inside the UFC Octagon, while also keeping an eye on his future.

“I almost forgot how great I was, but then recently I just realized like, (expletive), I’m good at this (expletive).’ I forget because – reasons, but yeah, it’s good to remind yourself. I keep saying, ‘Ya’ll must have forgot.’ (expletive), I almost forgot,” Adesanya said on YouTube.

“I’ve achieved my dreams in this game,” Adesanya added. “I still have some more dreams to achieve, but the main ones I have (achieved). (I want to) just enjoy this sh*t. I’m going to definitely get a submission (before I retire). That’s definitely a big one. I don’t even care about the belt. I want to get someone’s (expletive) ankle or neck.”

Israel Adesanya On UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Night: ‘I Still Get Paid’

UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Night Main Event: Adesanya vs. Imavov

Adesanya faces Nassourdine Imavov in the first card outside of the United States on the 2025 UFC schedule.

Adesanya (24-4) , who is the No. 2 ranked fighter in the UFC’s 185-pound division, is riding the first two-fight losing skid of his MMA career. The 35-year-old saw his second run as UFC middleweight champion end in September 2023 when he dropped a one-sided decision to Sean Strickland in a fight where he was an enormous betting favorite.

The ex-champ had an opportunity to become a three-time UFC titleholder in August 2024, but fell short in that bout, losing to Du Plessis by rear-naked choke in the fourth round of their UFC 305 battle. The loss was the first submission defeat of Adesanya’s career.

Adesanya said the loss to Du Plessis did not hurt any more than his other setbacks.

“No, not at all,” said Adesanya. “I did my best, and I was in pretty good shape. … The Dricus fight, I was in great shape. I f*cking felt strong, but yeah, definitely room for improvement, and we’ve made those improvements.”

Imavov (15-4-0-1) is ranked fifth in the UFC middleweight division ahead of his UFC Saudi Arabia main event matchup against Adesanya. Imavov is riding a four-fight unbeaten streak. His most recent outing was a unanimous decision win over Brendan Allen in September.

Imavov’s most recent loss came in January 2023 when Sean Strickland bested him via unanimous decision.

UFC Saudi Arabia Opening Odds: Adesanya Vs. Imavov Full Fight Card

UFC Saudi Arabia Main Event: Adesanya on Imavov

“I know he’s dangerous. I know he’s slick. I like his style,” Adesanya said about his upcoming opponent. “Not bad footwork. He’s dangerous – very well-rounded. It’s not about him, it’s about me. It’s about improving, just writing this chapter.

“I love the way things are playing out. It’s about me and just improving and really showing what I can really do in the full range of mixed martial arts. You’ve got a (expletive) swinging at you, trying to take your head off – you better be up.”

We will have more on Israel Adesanya, Nassourdine Imavov, and the UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Night card as the event gets closer.