THE GUARDIAN
Tomorrow’s UFC Fight Night 250 will mark the first time that Israel Adesanya competes in a non-title fight in almost six years, writes mmamania.com. Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) takes on Nassourdine Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) in tomorrow’s main event at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The former UFC middleweight champion has been in the title picture since 2019 but is currently in unfamiliar territory having lost back-to-back title fights against Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.
“The Last Stylebender” insists that his motivation hasn’t faltered. Just because there’s not a belt on the line, I don’t want to diminish this fight like it’s not important,” Adesanya said during Wednesday’s media day.
“This is still an important fight for me. Again, I’m saying I’m doing this for myself. I’m kind of being selfish.
“Like, I fight for myself, I fight for my team, my family, and my real fans, but this one I’m putting myself first. I’m trying to do this one for myself. So, it’s really important to me.” Adesanya will try and put a halt to a young, rising contender in Imavov.
Connect with us on our socials: