UFC returns to Saudi Arabia this Saturday with Adesanya vs. Imamov in the main event

Israel adesanya e Nassourdine Imavov face each other in UFC Saudi Arabia. Photo: (SUPER FIGHTS montage)

One of the most successful fighters in recent Ultimate history, Israel adesanya returns to action this Saturday (1), in the first event in UFC history in Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh. The Nigerian faces Nassourdine Imavov in the main fight, in a duel that could define the next chapters of the middleweight category (83,9 kg). With a sequence of three consecutive victories, the Russian has the opportunity to add the name of the former champion to his record and establish himself as one of the next challengers for the title.

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The co-main event brings fans a very interesting marriage of styles. Former Bellator welterweight title challenger, Michael Page increase weight to measure strength with Shara Magomedov, who in turn is undefeated as a professional.

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In addition, the event has the participation of Brazilians Vinicius LokDog, Lucas Alexander and Mayra Sheetara, former bantamweight title challenger (up to 61,2 kg).

Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov

Adesanya and Imavov weigh in for the UFC Saudi Arabia (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

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UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) between 2019 and 2022, Israel adesanya is not going through a good moment in his career. Away from the octagon since August 2024, when he was submitted by Dricus du Plessis in the fourth round, the Nigerian is on a two-fight losing streak for the first time. Despite this, he still ranks second in the category, and a big win reaffirms his status as one of the best fighters in the world.

As for Imavov, who has won three straight matches against Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier e Brendan allen, the fight could mean a title fight in the next rounds. With a win against Adesanya, he could move ahead of names like Caio Borralho and become the number one challenger.

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Shara Magomedov x Michael Page

Michael Page is happy to fight Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia. Photo: UFC Reproduction

Michael Page is happy to fight against Shara Magomedov No. UFC Saudi Arabia. Photo: UFC Reproduction

Despite having spent most of his career as a welterweight (77,1 kg.), Michael Page agreed to move up in weight to measure strength with the Pirate, Shara Magomedov in the co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. The Russian, who is ranked 14th in the middleweight rankings (up to 83,9 kg), is undefeated with 15 wins on his professional record and is seen as one of the organization's promising prospects. Due to the two athletes' unorthodox striking style, the duel promises to bring impressive moments.

Brazilian Squadron

Mayra Sheetara fight in UFC Saudi Arabia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Owner of one of the most impressive knockouts of 2024 in the victory against Bernardo Sopaj, Vinicius LokDog faces Said Nurmagomedov in the second fight of the main card, in a duel valid for the bantamweight category (up to 61,2 kg). Despite his surname, the Russian is not related to the Dagestan Clan and has not performed since October 2023. The Brazilian, who won his contract with the Ultimate through the Dana White Contender Series, is on a streak of four consecutive victories.

On the preliminary card, Mayra Sheetara tries to recover from the defeat suffered against Macy chiasson in July 2024 at a new weight, when facing Jasmine Jasudavicious, one of the promises of the flyweight category (up to 56,7 kg.) in first fight between women in Saudi Arabia. Rio de Janeiro native Lucas Alexander also faces off against Austrian Bogdan Grad, who is making his UFC debut.