UFC middleweight Nassourdine Imavov has been looking for a big matchup to launch him into the title picture, and he’s got just that against Israel Adesanya at UFC Riyadh on Saturday.
“I wouldn’t say ‘surreal’ because after 2024 and the victories I was expecting something like that,” Imavov told reporters through a translator on Wednesday.
“Even though I was expecting it, when I got the news, I was very happy. I posted a picture on my Instagram showing how happy I was. Right now I can’t wait for this fight.”
Imavov (15-4) will look to make it four consecutive victories with a win over Adesanya which would put him on the short list to challenge for the title. That’s exactly what Imavov has been looking for.
“The main thing it’s going to get me closer to my goal which is to fight for the belt. I’m very excited about that,” he said.
Adesanya comes into the fight on the back of two consecutive losses to former champion Sean Strickland and current champion Dricus du Plessis. Adesanya was submitted by du Plessis which made some feel like he’s losing a step.
Imaov doesn’t think so.
“I don’t think he’s getting older. If you look at the fight against DDP he was doing very well. In my opinion he was winning the fight before his submission,” he said.
“I think he’s going to come very focused, very hungry, even though I don’t focus too much on (him). I focus more on myself and what I’m going to do. I hope he’s going to be in the best shape so I can beat the best Israel Adesanya.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Nassourdine Imavov above. He takes on Israel Adesanya at UFC Riyadh in the main event on Saturday.
