Israel Adesanya doesn’t lack the oil in the cog ahead of his first UFC non-title fight in years. ‘The Last Stylebender’ – a perennial UFC middleweight, fights in the UFC Fight Night 250 headliner. Even though he is 0-2 in his last title affairs, Adesanya isn’t lacking any motivation against rising contender Nassourdine Imavov though.
Not for nothing, but Israel Adesanya is a shoe-in for a spot in the future UFC Hall of Fame wings someday. Part of the original ‘three kings‘, he defended his title five times in a historic first reign. However, right now, it’s a dry run and well away from the title strap. So, what keeps him motivated to keep on fighting?
Because I can – and I’m really, really, really good at it, …I almost forgot how great I was, but then recently I just realized like, ‘F*ck, I’m good at this sht.’ I forget because – reasons, but yeah, it’s good to remind yourself. I keep saying, ‘Ya’ll must have forgot.’ Fu*k, I almost forgot how great I was…
Israel Adesanya on his Official Youtube Channel FREESTYLEBENDER (@FreeStylebender)
Izzy is fresh off a hard-fought loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305’s PPV headliner. But it does not slow his roll. It banks on the thought that ‘nobody achieved anything big by dreaming smaller.’ Case in point: ‘Last Stylebender’ is already bending rules and eyeing more dangerous opponents if he can get back high up into the pecking order.
For now, though, the two-time middleweight champion is enjoying the process, grim or grind, fast or slow, title or no title. Adesanya also is gunning to get a submission victory before he retires. Belt or no belt, he means to turn back time strong. The Team City Kickboxing NZ star also has some ideas about his return fight.
Israel Adesanya talks on his upcoming fight
Former UFC middleweight champion Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) will look to snap a two-fight losing skid soon. He will compete on February 1 in the UFC Fight Night 250 headliner at ANB Arena in Riyadh. He meets Nassourdine Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) to keep his ranking at middleweight.
Israel Adesanya is ready for fight night challenge vs. Nassourdine Imavov (Source: X)Imaov is a surging middleweight challenge. His current three-streak win is over prime names like Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen. Israel Adesanya knows Nassourdine Imavov does not boast the pay-per-view spotlight like Du Plessis or Sean Strickland. But that does not hamper his motivation for the UFC Fight Night 250 scrap.
I know he’s dangerous. I know he’s slick. I like his style, …Not bad footwork. He’s dangerous – very well-rounded. It’s not about him, it’s about me. It’s about improving, just 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
Israel Adesanya further said
According to DraftKings, Adesanya is a moderate -185 favorite. DDP wrote his title win with quite a blueprint on how to defeat Adesanya. But Imaov, 28, challenge or not, is not just as tanky. Adesanya agrees with the betting odds and wants to take this challenge head-on. If nothing, he is ready to consider this a self-improvement to get back on the ladder again.
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