2025 UFC Saudi Arabia Main Event Preview - Imavov vs. Adesanya: Can the Sniper upset the Last Stylebender? January 30, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The UFC is set to make its highly anticipated return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, headlined by the electrifying middleweight showdown between surging contender Nassourdine "The Sniper" Imavov and former two-time champion Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya. The main event is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM EST.

At 35, Adesanya remains one of the sport's most dangerous strikers, combining his extensive kickboxing background with elite precision and timing. Standing at 6'4" with an 80-inch reach, he has used his length and technical striking to dominate opponents from distance. However, he enters this bout on a two-fight skid, having lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland in 2023 before suffering another defeat to Dricus Du Plessis. This marks his first non-title fight in six years, making it a crucial moment in his quest to reassert himself as a top contender.

Imavov vs. Adesanya Sports Bet Odds

Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya is the favorite to win the match. Here are our latest odds:

• Adesanya is the favorite and has a money line of -155.
• Imavov is the underdog and has a money line of +135.

Coming off back-to-back losses, Adesanya faces a significant test of his mental resilience. His ability to bounce back and his tactical approach to this matchup will be key. His game plan typically revolves around controlling range, utilizing his reach, and delivering pinpoint strikes to wear down or finish his opponents. His diverse striking arsenal includes powerful leg kicks, sharp jabs, and well-timed counterpunches. Defensively, he excels at avoiding takedowns and mitigating damage, but pressure-heavy opponents have found ways to exploit gaps in his grappling.

Imavov, at 29, has emerged as a legitimate contender in the middleweight division, riding a three-fight win streak. The French-Russian fighter stands at 6'3" with a 75-inch reach and brings a well-rounded skill set, excelling in both technical striking and grappling. Signature victories over Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier, and Roman Dolidze have vaulted him to the No. 5 ranking. A win over a former champion like Adesanya would put him firmly in the title conversation.

While Imavov is a capable striker, his best path to victory may involve mixing in grappling to neutralize Adesanya’s stand-up advantage. Fighters who have pressured Adesanya with clinch work and takedown attempts—such as Strickland and Du Plessis—have exposed potential weaknesses in his game. If Imavov can effectively blend striking with relentless pressure and well-timed grappling exchanges, he could disrupt Adesanya’s rhythm and dictate the fight.

Despite Imavov’s momentum and versatility, Adesanya’s experience, precision striking, and ability to control range make him a formidable challenge. If Adesanya can impose his preferred pace, maintain distance, and capitalize on striking openings, he has a strong chance of securing the victory. However, if Imavov can force Adesanya into a high-pressure fight that limits his space to operate, an upset could be on the horizon.

As the UFC returns to Saudi Arabia, this main event promises a thrilling stylistic clash with high stakes for the middleweight division. With both fighters eager to prove themselves, fans can expect an intense battle with major title implications.

Imavov vs. Adesanya Tale of the Tape

Nassourdine Imavov #5		Israel Adesanya #2
15-4-0, 1NC	Record	24-4-0
Win	Last Fight	Loss
6' 3"	Height	6' 4"
197.30 LBS	Weight	206.00 LBS
75"	Reach	80"
42"	Leg Reach	44.5"
48%	Significant Strikes	55%
58%	Strikes Defense	56%
36%	Takedown Accuracy	12%
78%	Takedown Defense	75%