UFC Saudi Arabia - Adesanya vs Imavov

After a week off, we're back and gearing up for an incredible stretch of 11 consecutive weekends filled with UFC action! This weekend, we head to Saudi Arabia for a landmark event as Israel Adesanya makes his return to the Octagon in his first non-PPV fight in 15 bouts. Alongside stars like Michael "Venom" Page and Shara "Bullet" Magomedov, this event will also feature the historic first-ever Women's UFC fight in Saudi Arabia. The action kicks off early on Saturday with the Prelims starting at 9 AM, followed by the Main Card at 12 PM.

Main Card

#2 Israel Adesanya vs #5 Nassourdine Imavov
Middleweight Bout - 185 lbs

Israel Adesanya returns to the octagon in a classic matchup between a former dominant champion and an up-and-coming challenger, Nassourdine Imavov. Adesanya, widely regarded as one of the greatest middleweights of all time boasts a career resume that’s tough to match, with two title reigns and six successful defenses. Known for his exceptional striking, Adesanya excels at controlling range and utilizing counter-strikes to dictate the pace of his fights. Imavov, on the other hand, is a dynamic striker with tight, classic combinations and solid wrestling to back up his stand-up game. This represents a significant step up in competition for Imavov and the outcome of this fight will shape the future of the 185-pound division.

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#14 Shara Magomedov vs #15 Michael Page
Middleweight Bout - 185 lbs

Page is moving up to 185 lbs for what’s expected to be a striking showcase against Middle East favorite Magomedov. Both are high-level strikers, with a focus on precision rather than raw power. Magomedov is a fun, creative fighter who utilizes a wide array of weapons in an unconventional style. He’s coming off a stunning double spinning backfist knockout in his most recent fight. Page, in contrast, takes a more conventional approach, using precise range control and a karate-style attack to dominate his opponents.

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#4 Sergei Pavlovich vs #9 Jairzinho Rosenstruik
Heavyweight Bout - 265 lbs

In what promises to be a striking spectacle, two high-level heavyweights with a specialization in stand-up are set to entertain on the main card. While both are dangerous strikers, each brings their own unique style to the table. Pavlovich employs a fast, heavy-handed boxing approach, making him one of the most dangerous fighters on the feet. Rozenstruik, a seasoned kickboxer, excels at counterstriking and power shots. Known for his excellent cardio, Rozenstruik increases his output as the fight progresses, ramping up the volume if he doesn’t find the counters he’s looking for early on.

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Said Nurmagomedov vs Vinicius Oliveira
Bantamweight Bout - 135 lbs

Nurmagomedov is a composed fighter who relies on his kicking game to maintain range in the striking exchanges. He effectively keeps opponents at distance while also threatening with a high-level guillotine submission, which discourages wild shots. Oliveira, on the other hand, is an aggressive, forward-charging striker who thrives on using his power and relentless pressure to overwhelm his opponents and hunt for a finish.

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Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

Ziam, a technically sound striker who usually avoids chaotic exchanges, is coming off a standout knockout victory last year. As a tall, rangy fighter, he effectively uses his height to control the distance. Davis, on the other hand, leverages his athleticism, combining power in his strikes with a willingness to secure takedowns whenever the opportunity arises.

Prelims

Muhammad Naimov vs Kaan Ofli
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Naimov is a fast, athletic striker known for his crisp combinations and effective clinch work to control his opponents. Ofli, a BJJ black belt, is focused on finding submission opportunities. With relentless pressure to close the distance, Ofli will need to overcome the striking disadvantage and find a way to take Naimov down to implement his ground game.

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#14 Shamil Gaziev vs Thomas Petersen
Heavyweight Bout - 265 lbs

Gaziev is a powerful striker with heavy hands, but he also relies on his elite Dagestani wrestling to recover if he finds himself out of position. Petersen, a well-rounded fighter, prefers to march forward and close the distance, engaging in pocket exchanges before securing takedowns to gain control of the fight.

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Terrance McKinney vs Damir Hadzovic
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

McKinney, a former JUCO National Champion in wrestling, is a fighter who embodies the "kill or be killed" mentality, making him a fan favorite. He comes out fast in the first round, relentlessly hunting for a finish while blending his striking and wrestling with a high-paced, all-action style. Hadsovic, on the other hand, relies on a pressure-heavy approach, closing the distance with short, crisp punches to push his opponents against the cage and set up his takedowns. His durability is a key part of his game, allowing him to maintain control and wear down his opponents.

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#12 Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva
Flyweight Bout - 125 lbs

This is a historic moment in UFC history as Jasudavicius and Silva square off in the first-ever women's UFC fight in Saudi Arabia. Jasudavicius is known for her relentless forward pressure and dominant wrestling, always bringing the fight to her opponents while backing it up with impressive mic skills. Silva, dropping to 125 lbs after recently challenging for the 135 lb belt, is determined to make a name for herself in the flyweight division. A tough and skilled fighter, Silva boasts high-level BJJ, and you can expect her to constantly threaten with submissions from her back if taken down.

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Bogdan Grad vs Lucas Alexander
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Grad is a well-rounded MMA fighter who relies on heavy leg kicks and seamless chain wrestling to maintain control over his opponents. While he’s not necessarily focused on chasing knockouts, his straightforward striking and fluid wrestling transitions create opportunities to secure a finish. In contrast, Alexander is always on the hunt for a finish. He combines strong kicks from range with explosive bursts in the pocket, creating a dynamic and unpredictable striking style.

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Hamdy Abdelwahab vs Jamal Pogues
Heavyweight Bout - 265 lbs

Abdelwahab is making his return after a two-year suspension due to two failed drug tests for PEDs. With limited fight footage due to the layoff and brief fight times, the former Olympic wrestler hasn’t had much opportunity for analysis. However, he’s not hesitant to engage in exchanges, using powerful strikes to set up his takedowns, which seem to be his biggest strength. On the other hand, his opponent Pogues may not possess the same raw power, but he’s a well-rounded heavyweight. Pogues keeps a fast pace with a high-volume stand-up game while seamlessly blending in his ground game.

Enjoy the Fights!