For the first time since 2019, Israel Adesanya (24-4) will not be fighting for a UFC championship. That’s very odd territory for the former champion. Adesanya is coming off of back-to-back title losses for the first time in his MMA career, losing the title to Sean Strickland and then losing against Dricus Du Plesis. Looking to return to the winner’s circle, Adesanya will fight against Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 1.
Y’all must’ve forgot…????@stylebender vs @imavov_nassourdine, Saudi Arabia, February 1st ????????
The King is back! #stylebender #ufc #adesanya #ufcsaudiarabia #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/3PfUtLyDOU
— engage (@engageind) December 14, 2024
There has been a lot of criticism of Adesanya as of late. Fight fans are saying that his best days are behind him and that he should retire. Adesanya has always been connected with his fans and he has heard some of the rumblings. But on his YouTube channel, he broke his silence regarding him still fighting.
Adesanya speaks
“[I still fight] because I can. I’m really, really, really good at it. I almost forgot how great I was. But then recently I just realized like I’m good at this.’ I forget because reasons. But yeah, it’s good to remind yourself. I keep saying ‘Y’all must’ve forgot.’. I almost forgot. [And] I know [Imavov] is dangerous, I know he’s sick, I like his style. Not bad footwork. He’s dangerous and very well-rounded. It’s not about him, it’s about me, it’s about improving. It’s about writing this chapter. I love the way things are playing out. It’s about me, and just improving, and really showing what I can really do in the full range of mixed martial arts,” Adesanya said.
Hopefully, we’ll see a motivated Adesanya against Imavov. One of the toughest things to witness for fight fans is to watch former champions not know when to walk away and taking unnecessary punishment and hurting their legacies. There needs to be an appreciation for one of the most entertaining champions in UFC history. We don’t know when the end is near but it could very well be sooner than later at this point.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
