Two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to make his highly anticipated return to the octagon against French rising star Nassourdine Imavov.

Brazilian contender Caio Barralho recently disclosed that Adesanya chose to fight Imavov instead of him following negotiations between both camps.

The fight will headline the UFC’s first-ever event in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for February 2025, marking Adesanya’s first non-title bout since defeating Anderson Silva in February 2019.

‘The Last Stylebender’ aims to bounce back after back-to-back losses, including a submission defeat to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024. Despite recent setbacks, Adesanya remains one of the sport’s most celebrated athletes, with an impressive 24-4 record, including 16 knockout wins.

At 35, the Nigerian-New Zealander is already gearing up for what many see as a strategic matchup designed to regain momentum in the division. A victory over Imavov could pave the way for potential rematches against Sean Strickland or du Plessis, reigniting Adesanya’s pursuit of a historic third middleweight title reign.

The event, part of Riyadh Season’s ambitious sports program, highlights Saudi Arabia’s increasing presence in global sports. For Adesanya, the fight is a chance to reaffirm his legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.