Thu Jan 30 09:12:50 UTC 2025: ## Adesanya Faces Imavov in Highly Anticipated UFC Showdown in Saudi Arabia

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will face rising French star Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 on Saturday, February 1st, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. This marks Adesanya’s first non-title fight in six years, following back-to-back losses that saw him relinquish his championship belt. Imavov, currently ranked fifth in the middleweight division, enters the fight on a three-fight win streak and views a victory as his ticket to a title shot.

The fight, scheduled for five rounds of five minutes each, is the headline act of a stacked card billed as the biggest UFC event ever held in the Middle East. The co-main event features another highly anticipated matchup between Shara Magomedov and Michael Page.

Adesanya, despite his recent setbacks, remains a formidable opponent. The Nigerian-born, New Zealand-raised fighter boasts an impressive kickboxing background and a decorated UFC career. Imavov, born in Dagestan and raised in France, has steadily climbed the UFC ranks since his debut in 2020.

Both fighters have expressed confidence ahead of the bout. Imavov sees the fight as a chance to cement his place among the elite, while Adesanya, despite the pressure, maintains his characteristic self-belief.

UFC Fight Night 250 will be broadcast globally on various platforms, including ESPN+ in the US and TNT Sports in the UK. Al Jazeera will provide live text and photo coverage starting at 16:00 GMT. The main undercard begins at 17:00 GMT, with the main event kicking off at 20:00 GMT. The event marks the second time the UFC has held a fight card in Saudi Arabia, but this is the first featuring a full roster of elite fighters, promising a night of thrilling MMA action.

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