Israel Adesanya faces Nassourdine Imavov in a crucial middleweight clash tonight, as they meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia.
Adesanya, a former two-time champion, will try to halt a two-fight losing streak as he takes on the in-form Frenchman. The Nigerian-born New Zealander is in a must-win situation, having surrendered the title to Sean Strickland in a major upset in 2023, before failing to reclaim the gold from current champ Dricus Du Plessis.
Meanwhile, Imavov enters Riyadh on the back of three straight wins, having beaten Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen in a stellar 2024. Still, Adesanya marks Imavov’s toughest test yet, as the latter looks to reach title contention at the “Last Stylebender”’s expense.
And in tonight’s co-main event, Michael “Venom” Page faces Shara Magomedov, with the London welterweight moving up to 185lb. “MVP” will aim to bounce back from a loss to Ian Machado Garry and hand Magomedov his first professional loss.
Follow live updates and results from UFC Saudi Arabia, below.
All eyes on UFC 312
Nassourdine Imavov will be fully focussed on who comes out of UFC 312 on top as Sean Strickland challenges Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title.
He’ll feel that he deserves the next shot after tonight’s stunning KO victory over one of the best, most dominant champions in the division’s history.
Will Castle1 February 2025 20:11
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
Izzy wasn’t happy with the stoppage at first, smacking the ground in frustration.
But he seems to have taken the defeat graciously, showing his appreciation to the Saudi crowd after recovering.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:46
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
Nassourdine Imavov has taken out arguably the greatest middleweight of all time.
No surprise he’s asking for a title shot.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:45
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
Imavov catches Izzy with a jab before BANG – a MASSIVE overhand right DROPS Adesanya!
He follows up with a heavy left against the cage and that’s all she wrote!
One shot and he’s a legend killer. The biggest moment in Nassourdine Imavov’s career so far.
Nassourdine Imavov def. Israel Adesanya via second-round knockout (overhand right and ground strikes, 0:30)
What a win. A statement to the middleweight division.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:42
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov, booked in five rounds. Let’s do this.
Heavy leg kick lands from Izzy to start things off, but Imavov isn’t backing away. He clips Adesanya with a left before going for the double leg – well-defended not once but twice by the former champ.
Adesanya throws the overhand, misses but clips Imavov with his elbow as he brings his arm back.
Imavov responds with a combination – that doesn’t land properly, but what does connect is a vicious upper cut that snaps Izzy’s head back! Imavov has him up against the fence but Izzy returns with a nice right hook and survives.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:37
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
Israel Adesanya is partial to an outlandish, anime-inspired walkout – but without the belt, there’s no glitz, glamour or special choreography in his entrance.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:28
Preview: Adesanya may never fight for UFC gold again if he can’t pass Imavov test
Now fighting for contendership instead of gold, a win tonight is a must if Adesanya intends to become the UFC’s first three-time middleweight champion.
Anything else will cast him further away from the title picture and could even spell retirement. His route back to the throne is anything but easy, and his test against Imavov could prove telling.
Full preview of tonight’s main event:
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:24
Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
It’s time for your main event! Israel Adesanya faces Nassourdine Imavov in a crucial middleweight clash.
He’ll overcome Imavov, who is getting really getting the taste for the main event now. On a three-fight tear, the Frenchman soaked up home adulation last time out as he ground out a decision win over Brendan Allen in Paris, shooting him to fifth in the middleweight rankings.
Far more in-form than Adesanya, Imavov is vying for title contention for the first time, and the 28-year-old will be desperate to add a divisional great to his resume. For Adesanya, a loss here could cast him away from the title picture for good.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:22
No change on which weight MVP is focussing on
Even after doing what no middleweight has done and beaten Shara Magomedov, MVP has confirmed in his post-fight interview that he intends to return to welterweight – for now.
“Look at me, look at me – I am the captain now,” he said.
“I need to practice a bit more at this weight, but I’ve got some work to do at 170lbs. Make sure you’re watching, because I’m coming.”
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:20
Shara Magomedov vs Michael ‘Venom’ Page
MVP eats an early leg kick but responds by snapping Shara’s head back with a jab. The Londoner has looked really sharp up a weight class.
Venom fires another right hand against the head of Shara, who dummied the flying knee. It’s then MVP who goes for the knee, he doesn’t get all of it but it has Shara covering up.
One minute to go and finally Magomedov begins to land some headshots. He needs a finish here. MVP wildly misses with an overhand before Shara charges in. He connects with an elbow but misses the following headkick.
Final ten seconds and MVP slips going for a spinning wheel kick – he’s on the deck but he’s joined by Shara, where he holds him for the remainder of the fight. We go to the judges…
Michael ‘Venom’ Page def. Shara Magomedov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Up a weight class? No problem for Venom! An assured display and just like that, he’s taken away Shara Magomedov’s zero.
Will Castle1 February 2025 19:15
