For the primary time in practically six years former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will make the stroll to the octagon for a non-title struggle. “The Final Stylebender” headlines Saturday’s UFC Saudi Arabia struggle card in opposition to fifth-ranked Nassourdine Imavov.
Heading into the struggle, Adesanya feels just like the veteran for the primary time. The 35-year outdated appears ahead to dealing with some youthful up-and-comers and he is bought one on Saturday within the 29-year outdated Imavov.
“I really feel just like the man, just like the outdated canine. After which there’s the younger guys developing attempting to show themselves. It is my job to ship them again down and allow them to know (I am) nonetheless right here,” Adesanya mentioned.
Adesanya (24-4) is coming off back-to-back losses for the primary time in his profession. Imavov will enter the octagon on Saturday driving a three-fight successful streak. Trying on the stylistic matchup, Adesanya would not assume Imavov brings something to the desk that he hasn’t seen.
“From what I see thus far, there’s nothing that he brings that I have never seen earlier than,” Adesanya mentioned. “I believe his finest attribute is his velocity. Yeah, his velocity. His counters, however I’ve seen that earlier than. It is as much as him to point out me one thing that I have never seen earlier than.