The UFC returns to Saudi Arabia for the second time this weekend with a stacked card headlined by former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya taking on the surging Nassourdine Imavov. This is the promotion’s second visit to the Kingdom, with the first event headlined by Robert Whittaker vs Ikram Aliskerov in June 2024.

The prelims are scheduled to start Saturday at 9 am ET / 6 am PT, while the main card kicks off live at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT.

Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov (Middleweight)

This main event marks Adesanya’s first non-title fight since 2019, a significant departure from his recent run of championship bouts. After a dominant reign as middleweight champion, Adesanya has suffered back-to-back losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, raising questions about his future in the division. He’ll be looking to reassert himself as a top contender against Imavov, who is riding a three-fight winning streak and aiming to break into title contention.  

Adesanya’s Form: Despite recent setbacks, Adesanya remains one of the most skilled strikers in MMA. He boasts a record of 24-4, with notable wins over Robert Whittaker (twice), Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori. His striking accuracy is 48%, and he lands an average of 4 significant strikes per minute. Adesanya’s losses have come against elite competition, and he has demonstrated his resilience by bouncing back from his first loss to Alex Pereira with a knockout victory in their rematch. Adding another layer of intrigue to this fight, Adesanya recently posted on social media, “Am I gonna miss weight…”, causing some concern among fans. While he has never missed weight in his 28 professional MMA fights, he is 35 years old, and weight cuts can become more challenging with age.  

Imavov’s Form: Imavov has steadily climbed the middleweight rankings with impressive wins over Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier, and Roman Dolidze. He holds a professional record of 15-4, with a UFC record of 7-2. Imavov is a well-rounded fighter with a 55% striking accuracy and an average of 4.51 significant strikes landed per minute. He also possesses solid grappling skills, averaging 0.88 takedowns per 15 minutes.  

Tactical Breakdown: Adesanya is a master of distance management and counter-striking, renowned for his ability to control the pace and range of a fight. He utilizes his long reach (80″) and precise kicks to keep opponents at bay while picking them apart with his punches. Imavov, on the other hand, is a more aggressive fighter who likes to pressure opponents and mix in takedowns. He is known for his powerful striking and strong clinch game, often utilizing a Muay Thai style with hard hooks and uppercuts. A key factor in this fight will be Adesanya’s ability to maintain distance and avoid getting trapped against the fence, where Imavov can unleash his power and clinch work. Adesanya will need to utilize his footwork and lateral movement to circle away from danger and create angles for his counter-strikes. Imavov, in turn, will need to close the distance effectively and avoid getting caught by Adesanya’s counters as he pushes forward.  

Prediction: This fight is likely to be a striking battle, with Adesanya utilizing his movement and counter-striking to frustrate Imavov. While Imavov has the power to hurt Adesanya, he will need to be wary of Adesanya’s counters and avoid getting caught in extended exchanges. Adesanya’s experience, superior striking technique, and reach advantage should give him the edge in this matchup.

Winner: Adesanya via Decision

Co-Main Event: Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page (Middleweight)

This co-main event features two of the most exciting strikers in the middleweight division. Magomedov is an undefeated prospect with a penchant for highlight-reel knockouts, while Page is a flamboyant striker known for his unorthodox and unpredictable style. This fight has significant implications for the middleweight division, with a win potentially propelling either fighter into title contention.  

Magomedov’s Form: Magomedov boasts an undefeated record of 15-0, with 12 wins by knockout. He has finished two of his four UFC opponents, showcasing his devastating power and diverse striking arsenal. He is a former Russian Muay Thai champion and Eurasia champion in Burmese boxing. Interestingly, Magomedov was involved in an assault at a shopping center in Dagestan in 2022 after taking offense to a couple kissing in front of him.  

Page’s Form: Page holds a record of 22-3, with 13 wins by knockout. He is a former Bellator MMA fighter who made his UFC debut in 2024. Page is known for his unorthodox striking style, which blends elements of karate, kickboxing, and kung fu. He has also competed in bare-knuckle boxing, showcasing his diverse combat sports experience.  

Tactical Breakdown: Magomedov is a powerful and aggressive striker who likes to pressure opponents and overwhelm them with his striking. He has a diverse arsenal of kicks and punches, and he is capable of finishing fights from any position. Page, on the other hand, is a more elusive and unpredictable striker who relies on his movement and unorthodox techniques to confuse opponents. A key factor in this fight will be Magomedov’s ability to cut off the cage and prevent Page from utilizing his movement and elusive style. Page, in turn, will need to maintain distance and utilize his reach advantage to land counter-strikes and avoid Magomedov’s power shots.  

Prediction: This fight is likely to be a striking spectacle, with both fighters looking to land a highlight-reel knockout. Magomedov’s power and aggression could give him the edge, but Page’s unorthodox style and ability to create openings could make him a difficult puzzle to solve.

Winner: Magomedov via TKO

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (Heavyweight)

This heavyweight clash pits two knockout artists against each other, promising an explosive encounter. Pavlovich is a rising contender with a string of first-round knockouts, while Rozenstruik is a veteran known for his devastating power. This fight highlights a fascinating contrast in styles, with Pavlovich known for his aggressive pressure fighting and Rozenstruik for his patient counter-striking.  

Pavlovich’s Form: Pavlovich has won six of his last seven fights, all by first-round knockout. He holds a record of 18-3, with 15 wins by knockout. Pavlovich is a former Fight Nights Global heavyweight champion. He holds the longest first-round knockout win streak in UFC history, a testament to his devastating power.  

Rozenstruik’s Form: Rozenstruik has a record of 15-5, with 13 wins by knockout. He is known for his explosive power and has secured some of the fastest knockouts in UFC heavyweight history, including the second-fastest.  

Tactical Breakdown: Both fighters are primarily strikers with a focus on landing knockout blows. Pavlovich is a more aggressive fighter who likes to pressure opponents and overwhelm them with his power, often utilizing boxing combinations and a relentless pace. Rozenstruik is a more patient counter-striker who waits for the right opportunity to unleash his devastating strikes, relying on his kickboxing background and powerful right hand. A key factor in this fight will be Pavlovich’s ability to maintain a high pace and pressure Rozenstruik without getting caught by a counter. Rozenstruik, in turn, will need to time his counters effectively and avoid getting overwhelmed by Pavlovich’s aggression.  

Prediction: This fight is likely to end quickly, with both fighters looking for an early knockout. Pavlovich’s aggression and recent form could give him the edge, but Rozenstruik’s power and experience make him a dangerous opponent.

Winner: Pavlovich via KO

Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira (Bantamweight)

This bantamweight bout features two rising contenders with contrasting styles. Nurmagomedov is a well-rounded fighter with a strong grappling base, while Oliveira is a dynamic striker with a penchant for finishes. This fight has the potential for an upset, with Oliveira’s striking posing a threat to Nurmagomedov despite the latter being the favorite.  

Nurmagomedov’s Form: Nurmagomedov holds a record of 18-3, with 5 wins by submission and 4 by knockout. He is a former WFCA bantamweight champion. Nurmagomedov is known for his well-rounded skills and ability to mix up his striking and grappling. He has also trained at the controversial Fight Club Akhmat camp, owned by Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov.  

Oliveira’s Form: Oliveira has a record of 21-3, with 10 wins by knockout and 1 by submission. He is a two-time UAE Warriors champion. Oliveira is known for his aggressive striking style and ability to finish fights. Before his fighting career, he worked various jobs, including construction and selling DVDs on the street.  

Tactical Breakdown: Nurmagomedov is likely to utilize his grappling skills to take Oliveira down and control the fight on the ground, where he can utilize his strong submission game and top control. Oliveira, on the other hand, will look to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking to hurt Nurmagomedov, relying on his powerful kicks and aggressive combinations. A key factor in this fight will be Oliveira’s takedown defense. If he can stuff Nurmagomedov’s takedowns and keep the fight standing, he has a good chance of winning. However, if Nurmagomedov can take him down, he will be in a dominant position.  

Prediction: This fight could be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Nurmagomedov’s grappling skills and well-roundedness could give him the edge, but Oliveira’s striking power and aggression make him a dangerous opponent.

Winner: Nurmagomedov via Decision

Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli (Featherweight)

This featherweight bout features two fighters looking to bounce back from recent losses. Naimov is a powerful striker with a background in taekwondo, while Ofli is a grappling specialist with a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu base. This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses likely to play a significant role in the outcome.  

Naimov’s Form: Naimov has a record of 11-3, with 6 wins by knockout and 2 by submission. He is a former Asian Junior Champion in taekwondo. Naimov is known for his explosive power and striking ability. He had a difficult experience with his first Taekwondo dojo, where he was taught impractical techniques by a disrespectful instructor.  

Ofli’s Form: Ofli has a record of 12-3-1, with 2 wins by knockout and 6 by submission. He is a former Hex Fight Series featherweight champion. Ofli is known for his grappling skills and ability to finish fights on the ground. He has recently changed gyms and training situations, seeking to improve his overall game.  

Tactical Breakdown: Naimov is likely to utilize his striking skills to keep the fight standing and land a knockout blow, relying on his taekwondo background and powerful kicks. Ofli, on the other hand, will look to take Naimov down and control the fight with his grappling, utilizing his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and strong top game. A key factor in this fight will be Naimov’s takedown defense. If he can stuff Ofli’s takedowns and keep the fight standing, he has a good chance of winning. However, if Ofli can take him down, he will be in a dominant position.  

Prediction: This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Naimov’s striking power and experience could give him the edge, but Ofli’s grappling skills and submission ability make him a dangerous opponent.

Winner: Naimov via Decision

Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen (Heavyweight)

This heavyweight bout features two fighters with contrasting styles. Gaziev is a powerful striker with a background in combat sambo, while Petersen is a wrestler with a strong ground game.

Gaziev’s Form: Gaziev has a record of 13-1, with 8 wins by knockout and 3 by submission. He is a former Fight Nights Global Super Heavyweight Grand Prix MMA champion. Gaziev is known for his aggressive striking and powerful ground-and-pound. Interestingly, he used to play volleyball before transitioning to MMA.  

Petersen’s Form: Petersen has a record of 9-2, with 7 wins by knockout and 1 by submission. He is a former LFA heavyweight champion. Petersen is a wrestler with a strong top game. Before his fighting career, he worked as a mechanic.  

Tactical Breakdown: Gaziev is likely to utilize his striking to pressure Petersen and look for a knockout, relying on his powerful punches and aggressive combinations. Petersen, on the other hand, will look to take Gaziev down and control the fight with his wrestling, utilizing his strong top game and ground-and-pound. A key factor in this fight will be Gaziev’s takedown defense and cardio. If he can stuff Petersen’s takedowns and maintain a high pace, he has a good chance of winning. However, if Petersen can take him down and control the fight on the ground, he will be in a dominant position.  

Prediction: This fight could be a battle of attrition, with Gaziev’s striking power pitted against Petersen’s wrestling and ground control. Gaziev’s experience and finishing ability could give him the edge in this matchup.

Winner: Gaziev via TKO

Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadzovic (Lightweight)

This lightweight bout features two explosive fighters with a history of finishing fights. McKinney is a dynamic striker with a strong grappling base, while Hadzovic is a powerful striker with a knack for knockouts.

McKinney’s Form: McKinney has a record of 15-7, with 7 wins by knockout and 8 by submission. He is known for his aggressive style and ability to finish fights quickly. McKinney was inspired by UFC fighter Michael Chiesa to start fighting.  

Hadzovic’s Form: Hadzovic has a record of 14-7, with 7 wins by knockout and 3 by submission. He is known for his powerful striking and has secured several knockout victories in the UFC. Before starting his MMA career, Hadzovic was a bodybuilder.  

Tactical Breakdown: Both fighters are likely to come out aggressively and look for an early finish. McKinney’s speed and grappling skills could give him the edge, but Hadzovic’s power and experience make him a dangerous opponent. A key factor in this fight will be McKinney’s ability to maintain a high pace and avoid getting caught by Hadzovic’s power shots. Hadzovic, in turn, will need to weather the early storm and try to drag McKinney into the later rounds, where his experience and durability could give him an advantage.  

Prediction: This fight is likely to be a firefight, with both fighters looking to land a knockout blow. McKinney’s speed and versatility could be the deciding factor in this matchup.

Winner: McKinney via TKO

Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (Women’s Flyweight)

This women’s flyweight bout features two skilled grapplers with a history of finishing fights. Jasudavicius is a well-rounded fighter with a strong ground game, while Bueno Silva is a dangerous submission artist. This fight is significant as it marks the first women’s fight to take place in Saudi Arabia.  

Jasudavicius’ Form: Jasudavicius has a record of 12-3, with 2 wins by knockout and 3 by submission. She is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jasudavicius is known for her well-rounded skills and ability to control fights on the ground. She had a late start to her MMA career, beginning her journey in 2016.  

Bueno Silva’s Form: Bueno Silva has a record of 10-4-1, with 1 win by knockout and 8 by submission. She is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Bueno Silva is known for her aggressive grappling style and dangerous submission skills. She was named after the Brazilian football star Jairzinho.  

Tactical Breakdown: Both fighters are likely to look to take the fight to the ground and utilize their grappling skills. Jasudavicius’s well-roundedness and control could give her the edge, but Bueno Silva’s submission threat makes her a dangerous opponent. A key factor in this fight will be Jasudavicius’s ability to defend Bueno Silva’s submissions and potentially gain top position. Bueno Silva, in turn, will need to be aggressive in her pursuit of submissions and capitalize on any opportunity to take Jasudavicius’s back.  

Prediction: This fight could be a grappling chess match, with both fighters looking for an opportunity to secure a submission. Bueno Silva’s aggression and finishing ability could be the deciding factor in this matchup.

Winner: Bueno Silva via Submission

Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander (Featherweight)

This featherweight bout features two fighters with contrasting styles. Grad is a well-rounded fighter with a strong grappling base, while Alexander is a dynamic striker with a penchant for knockouts.

Grad’s Form: Grad has a record of 14-2, with 8 wins by knockout and 3 by submission. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. Grad is known for his well-rounded skills and ability to control fights. He started training in martial arts at a young age, beginning with karate at 15 and transitioning to MMA at 17.  

Alexander’s Form: Alexander has a record of 14-7, with 3 wins by knockout and 5 by submission. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Alexander is known for his aggressive striking style and powerful kicks. His early years were influenced by dubstep and jungle music.  

Tactical Breakdown: Grad is likely to utilize his grappling skills to take Alexander down and control the fight on the ground, where he can utilize his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and strong top game. Alexander, on the other hand, will look to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking to hurt Grad, relying on his powerful kicks and aggressive combinations. A key factor in this fight will be Alexander’s takedown defense. If he can stuff Grad’s takedowns and keep the fight standing, he has a good chance of winning. However, if Grad can take him down, he will be in a dominant position.  

Prediction: This fight could be another classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Grad’s grappling skills and well-roundedness could give him the edge, but Alexander’s striking power and aggression make him a dangerous opponent.

Winner: Grad via Decision

Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues (Heavyweight)

This heavyweight bout features two fighters with contrasting backgrounds. Abdelwahab is an Olympic wrestler with a strong grappling base, while Pogues is a striker with a history of finishing fights. This fight marks Abdelwahab’s return to the UFC after a long layoff and suspension, raising questions about how this might affect his performance and his future in the UFC.  

Abdelwahab’s Form: Abdelwahab has a record of 5-0, with all wins by knockout. He is a former Olympian in Greco-Roman wrestling. Abdelwahab is known for his powerful wrestling and ground-and-pound. He has won 14 gold medals in the African championships in wrestling, highlighting his impressive grappling credentials.  

Pogues’ Form: Pogues has a record of 11-4, with 4 wins by knockout and 1 by submission. He is known for his aggressive striking style and ability to finish fights. He started training in martial arts after being choked out in school, leading him to pursue grappling and eventually MMA.  

Tactical Breakdown: Abdelwahab is likely to utilize his wrestling skills to take Pogues down and control the fight on the ground, where he can utilize his Olympic-level grappling and powerful ground-and-pound. Pogues, on the other hand, will look to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking to hurt Abdelwahab, relying on his volume striking and forward pressure. A key factor in this fight will be Pogues’s takedown defense. If he can stuff Abdelwahab’s takedowns and keep the fight standing, he has a chance of winning. However, if Abdelwahab can take him down, he will be in a dominant position.  

Prediction: This fight could be a dominant performance for Abdelwahab. His wrestling skills and Olympic-level pedigree should give him a significant advantage over Pogues, who has shown vulnerability to takedowns in the past.

Winner: Abdelwahab via TKO

Synthesis and Conclusion

UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov is shaping up to be an exciting event with several intriguing matchups and potential title implications. The main event between Adesanya and Imavov is a crucial fight for both fighters, with Adesanya looking to reassert himself as a top contender and Imavov aiming to secure a title shot. The co-main event between Magomedov and Page is a clash of styles that promises fireworks, while the heavyweight bout between Pavlovich and Rozenstruik is likely to end in a knockout. The rest of the card features a mix of rising prospects and established veterans, all looking to make a statement in their respective divisions.

This event is particularly significant for the middleweight division, with the main event and co-main event having potential title implications. The outcome of these fights could have a significant impact on the future of the division and set the stage for exciting matchups in the coming months. Notably, the women’s flyweight bout between Jasmine Jasudavicius and Mayra Bueno Silva will be the first women’s fight to take place in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step for the UFC’s growth in the Middle East.  

Overall, UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov is a must-watch event for MMA fans, with a diverse range of fighting styles and potential for exciting finishes. This event not only showcases the global reach of the UFC but also highlights the promotion’s commitment to bringing high-level MMA to new audiences.