Adesanya vs. Imavov Headlines UFC Fight Night in Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The stage is set for UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov, as fighters successfully made weight ahead of Saturday’s event at ANB Arena. The main event features a middleweight showdown between former champion Israel Adesanya and rising contender Nassourdine Imavov, both weighing in at 185 pounds.

The co-main event pits undefeated Shara Magomedov against Michael “Venom” Page in a middleweight clash. Magomedov tipped the scales at 185 pounds, while Page came in slightly over at 185.5 pounds. The event marks Page’s debut at middleweight after a career spent primarily at welterweight.

Other notable matchups include a heavyweight bout between Sergei Pavlovich (249 pounds) and Jairzinho Rozenstruik (252 pounds), as well as a bantamweight contest between Said Nurmagomedov (135.5 pounds) and Vinicius Oliveira (135 pounds). Lucas Alexander, however, missed the featherweight limit, weighing in at 148.5 pounds, and will forfeit 30% of his purse to opponent Bogdan Grad.

The event will air live in the United States, with prelims starting at 9 a.m. ET and the main card kicking off at 12 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action on UFC Fight Pass.

Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, looks to rebound from a recent title loss, while Imavov aims to solidify his status as a top contender. “This is a big opportunity for me,” Imavov said during the weigh-in faceoffs. “I’m ready to show the world what I can do.”

Magomedov, known for his striking prowess, enters the fight with a perfect 15-0 record. Page, a flashy striker with a background in kickboxing, brings a wealth of experience and a 22-3 record. “I’m here to make a statement,” Page said. “Middleweight or welterweight, it doesn’t matter. I’m coming for the win.”

The card also features a heavyweight clash between Shamil Gaziev (260 pounds) and Thomas Petersen (263 pounds), as well as a women’s flyweight bout between Jasmine Jasudavicius (125 pounds) and Mayra Bueno Silva (126 pounds).

With a mix of established stars and rising talent, UFC Fight Night in Riyadh promises to deliver an action-packed night for fight fans worldwide.