As UFC fans gear up for the highly anticipated main event between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping is offering his expert analysis. Adesanya (24-4) enters this fight looking to rebound from back-to-back losses, while Imavov (15-4, 1 NC) arrives with momentum after three consecutive wins.
Adesanya’s Recent Struggles
Bisping pointed out that while Adesanya’s reputation as a former two-time champion remains intact, his recent losses raise questions about his current form.
“Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion of the world who has lost three out of his last four fights. That’s a far cry from when Israel Adesanya was on top of the world,” Bisping said. He acknowledged that there’s no shame in Adesanya’s losses, as they came against tough opponents.
“His losses are to [champion] Dricus Du Plessis where he was taken down and choked out in Round 4,” Bisping noted. “The relevance of that, though, is that’s how he made a career, sprawling and brawling, stopping the takedown. If he was taken down, bouncing right back up. So the question is, is he starting to slip, or is Dricus Du Plessis just that good?”
Bisping also highlighted Adesanya’s other setbacks. “Before that the loss to [Du Plessis], it was a loss to Sean Strickland. Maybe he underestimated Sean. He didn’t realize how good of an opponent he was. Maybe Sean Strickland got in his head. Maybe Israel was distracted… The other loss was to Alex Pereira. Certainly no shame in losing to any of them, but when you’re the best in the world, when you’re the champion, when you’re No. 1, okay, it starts to paint a picture.”
Imavov’s Dangerous Threat
As for Imavov, Bisping recognizes him as a formidable opponent. “Imavov, this guy is big for the middleweight division. He’s on a tear. The only person to beat him recently is Sean Strickland,” Bisping said. “He can strike. He can wrestle. He can do it all. He fights out of Dagestan, of course. But the man is dangerous on the feet. But the way that he blends them up, the way that he level changes after landing a couple of shots, shooting in and getting the takedown, he’s very effective at it.”
Bisping also brought up the significance of Du Plessis’ ability to challenge Adesanya’s defensive tactics. “If Dricus Du Plessis was able to do that, whereas in the past people couldn’t do that, then that’s going to be a little bit troubling if you’re putting money on Israel Adesanya.”
Bisping’s Prediction
Despite acknowledging Imavov’s strengths, Bisping is leaning toward Adesanya as the likely winner of the fight. “I think Izzy is going to come back,” Bisping said. “He said the middleweight division is boring without him. He said he’s here to insert some entertainment and make the middleweight division great again. He’s going full MAGA on the middleweights.”
Bisping believes Adesanya will regain his form and clinch a victory, even if it’s a tough road. “Will he beat Nassourdine Imavov? I will say this, more than likely. More than likely Israel Adesanya gets a decision,” Bisping predicted.
“I think he uses the jab. I think he lowers his base. And I think he’s a little bit pissed off and a little bit embarrassed… Your pride takes a hit when you’ve lost three out of your last four and you see the middleweight division moving along without you.”
Bisping also believes that Adesanya’s pride will fuel him to victory. “Over five rounds, I do believe Izzy wins by decision. I think he maintains range, keeps his distance, moves around, uses all of the space inside the octagon.”
Ultimately, Bisping is confident in Adesanya’s ability to bounce back in Saudi Arabia, saying, “In Saudi Arabia, Israel Adesanya will be the winner.”
