RIYADH: The UFC returns here Saturday with a blockbuster middleweight main event featuring former world champion Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya and rising contender Nassourdine “The Sniper” Imavov.
Adesanya, the UFC’s No. 2-ranked middleweight, says he is ready for the fight against Imavov at Riyadh’s anb Arena, which marks the company’s first event in the region this year.
“This fight is for me,” Adesanya said at a press conference on Thursday. “I’m doing this to prove to myself that I’m still in the game and dangerous.”
Commenting on his opponent, Adesanya said: “He’s good and he’s a young guy coming up but it’s my job to send him back down, respectfully.
“There’s nothing that he brings that I haven’t seen, it’s up to him to show me something that I haven’t seen before.”
Imavov, currently ranked No. 5, spoke about the challenge ahead: “I’m very good, I’m fast, I’m accurate and I can’t wait for this fight. I’m preparing a surprise for you on Saturday night.”
He added: “I don’t focus too much on him (Adesanya), I focus on myself and I hope he’s going to be in the best shape so I can beat the best of him.”
Middleweight Shara Magomedov, who takes on Michael “Venom” Page in the co-main event, said about his return to the Kingdom: “I’m happy to show the fans the fight they deserve. Page doesn’t understand what he has in front of him.”
Magomedov added: “He’s not going to be able to hide away from my bullets, I’m here to show him that I’m the greatest fighter in the world.”
Page expressed excitement about fighting in Riyadh: “Saudi Arabia is becoming the hub of combat sports, and I love being here and being so welcomed by you guys, I appreciate every one of the fans for coming to be with us.”
When asked about Magomedov’s self-confidence, Page said: “I do believe he is going to be stubborn enough to believe in himself.”
Page added: There’s certain patterns to what he does, there’s nothing to worry about. I get why other people are wowed by it and I understand his star quality and I appreciate that, but he’s never stood in front of something as confusing as me.”
Heavyweight contender Said Nurmagomedov, who faces Vinicius Oliveira, said: “I feel good, and I feel very relaxed.”
Oliveira said he was looking forward to the bout. “I don’t fear anybody, I’m very excited to be here, and be prepared because the king is coming.”
Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich, who will be in action against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, said: “He’s a very explosive guy, he’s very fast and he’s got a lot of experience, so you have to be ready for anything when it comes to him, and I am ready for all three rounds.”
Rozenstruik said he was confident. “I’m never nervous, I’m very relaxed. I’m bringing all my energy to the Octagon.”
MAIN CARD
Middleweight: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov
Middleweight: Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page
Heavyweight: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Bantamweight: Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira
Lightweight: Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis
PRELIMS
Featherweight: Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli
Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen
Lightweight: Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadzovic
Women’s flyweight: Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
Featherweight: Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander
Heavyweight: Hamdy Adelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues
