The Ultimate Fighting Championship is heading to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for an exhilarating event that promises to captivate MMA fans worldwide. On February 1, 2025, UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs Imavov will showcase a stacked card featuring some of the sport's top athletes. Hosted at the ANB Arena, the event will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+.
Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov
The highlight of the night is the middleweight showdown between Israel Adesanya (24-4) and Nassourdine Imavov (15-4). Adesanya, known for his striking precision and dynamic fighting style, looks to cement his legacy against the rising star, Imavov, who has been climbing the ranks with his impressive skill set and determination.
Co-Main Event: Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page
In the co-main event, undefeated Shara Magomedov (15-0) takes on the charismatic and always entertaining Michael Page (22-3) in what promises to be a tactical battle in the middleweight division. Magomedov’s grappling prowess meets Page’s unorthodox striking, making this a must-watch matchup.
Featured Bouts on the Main Card
Heavyweights Clash: Sergei Pavlovich (18-3) faces Jairzinho Rozenstruik (15-5) in a bout that is expected to be a heavy-hitting affair. Both fighters have proven knockout power and will be looking to make a statement.
Bantamweight Action: Said Nurmagomedov (18-3) squares off against Vinicius Oliveira (21-3). Both fighters are known for their speed and agility, making this a potential fight-of-the-night contender.
Lightweight and Featherweight Showdowns: Fares Ziam (16-4) battles Mike Davis (11-2) in a lightweight bout, while Muhammad Naimov (11-3) takes on Kaan Ofli (11-3-1) in a featherweight encounter. Both bouts feature rising stars eager to climb the ranks.
Preliminary Card Highlights
Heavyweight Prospects: Shamil Gaziev (13-1) and Thomas Petersen (9-2) will showcase their skills, aiming to break into the heavyweight elite.
Dynamic Lightweights: Terrance McKinney (15-7) faces Damir Hadžović (14-7) in a clash that guarantees action.
Women's Flyweight and Bantamweight Contests: Jasmine Jasudavicius (12-3) competes against Mayra Bueno Silva (10-4-1), highlighting the depth of talent in the women's divisions.
Cancellations and Fizzled Bouts
Despite some initial lineup changes due to passport issues and fighter withdrawals—including bouts involving Ikram Aliskerov and André Muniz—the revised card remains highly competitive and full of intrigue.
UFC Fight Night in Riyadh not only brings top-tier MMA action but also the unique backdrop of Saudi Arabia, enhancing the global appeal of the event. As fighters prepare to step into the octagon, fans worldwide are gearing up for a memorable night of fights. Don't miss a moment of this action-packed event—tune in to ESPN+ at 9:00 AM ET on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
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