(Video) Israel Adesanya spotted drilling defensive wrestling ahead of return at UFC Saudi Arabia against Nassourdine Imavov

Israel Adesanya is incorporating a grueling wrestling session in his training ahead of his return at UFC Saudi Arabia.

(Video) Israel Adesanya spotted drilling defensive wrestling ahead of return at UFC Saudi Arabia against Nassourdine Imavov

Israel Adesanya gearing up for against Nassourdine Imavov (Image via Imago/X)

Stylebender’s name has become quite synonymous with MMA and UFC. The 35 year-old kickboxer made a name for himself before entering the UFC. Coming into the UFC, Israel Adesanya was looked at as a phenom with impeccable striking. Living up to his name in the promotion, the Kiwi resident picked up the UFC gold and added multiple title defense under his belt.

The mixed martial artist is now looking to make his return against Nassourdine Imavov in 2025 at UFC Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. With a two-fight losing streak, Adesanya must defeat young contenders for another shot at the title. For the first time in a long while, ‘Stylebender’ is fighting on a Fight Night card as opposed to being the usual mainstay on PPVs.

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The former middleweight champion was spotted training defensive wrestling in preparation for his return. 2024 saw him compete on just one instance, and since 2019, the Kiwi resident hasn’t competed in a non-title clash. Imavov offers a grueling striking offense mixed with high-level grappling. It would make sense for the 35-year-old to tune up his wrestling before taking on the young fighter.

Adesanya is heading into the twilight of his career after spending years on top. The 28-year-old Imavov recently defeated a hungry lion in Brendan Allen in his last outing. Reports of Adesanya’s return during Riyadh season were making rounds. Dana White later on confirmed the big news via social media. This leads to the question of whether a victory over Imavov give the former champion the next title shot?

UFC Saudi Arabia features Israel Adesanya’s possible next big challenge

The former middleweight champion remains the only name in the promotion to reclaim the lost title at 185lbs. Now, the UFC star is looking to make a return to the top with a difficult matchup against the French fighter. However, on the same fight card features yet another dangerous name in Sharaputdin Magomedov, who once issued a callout.

UFC Saudi Arabia could setup Sharaputdin Magomedov to face Israel Adesanya next
UFC Saudi Arabia could setup Sharaputdin Magomedov to face Israel Adesanya next (Image via UFC/X)

Magomedov has secured 4 wins in a row with two highlight-reel knockout wins. The Russian fighter is now ranked number 14th in the division and he is eager to climb the ladder. The unbeaten prospect could make an exciting striking matchup for Adesanya after the fight night in February 2025. Magomedov will fight ex-Bellator star Michael ‘Venom’ Page in the co-main event.

The English fighter called out ‘Bullet’ to fight him instead of ‘Stylebender’ and Magomedov promptly obliged. If both Adesanya and Magomedov come out unscathed with their hands raised, the UFC would be inclined to book this matchup next. The promotion is leaning towards Khamzat Chimaev as the next title contender, leaving room for Adesanya to go battle someone else.

Related: Khamzat Chimaev on the lookout for super fight with Israel Adesanya enroute to UFC gold