Israel Adesanya Expected to Compete Against Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia

Israel Adesanya faced a difficult challenge in his recent fight against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia, where he suffered a knockout loss, marking his fourth defeat in five bouts. This latest setback raises questions about Adesanya's future in the middleweight division, especially as he's been criticized for his recent performances that lacked the excitement fans expect from him. With his current record, some analysts suggest that Adesanya may need to consider a move up to the light heavyweight division to reignite his career. Despite the loss, Adesanya has expressed interest in a potential fight with Khamzat Chimaev, who is positioned as a title contender in the division. Meanwhile, Imavov's victory positions him closer to the title picture, showcasing the shifting dynamics in the middleweight rankings. Adesanya's focus appears to be on rediscovering his joy for fighting rather than immediately pursuing another title shot.