Israel Adesanya is highly motivated to win back the middleweight title. Before facing Nassourdine Imavov during the UFC evening on February 2, The Last Stylebender revealed the identity of his sparring partner.
Nassourdine Imavov is ready to change dimension. At least he hopes so. In a few weeks, the Frenchman will face Israel Adesanya at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia. A fight that could allow Sniper to claim the title in the event of victory.
For his part, Adesanya does not intend to miss his chance to reclaim the belt once in his possession. Defeated by Alex Pereira in 2022 then by Sean Strickland in 2023, the New Zealander of Nigerian origin knows it: this fight against Imavov is one of his last opportunities to sit at the top of the middleweights before slowly retiring from MMA.
A future opponent of Benoit Saint-Denis to prepare The Last Stylebender
His experience means that Israel Adesanya does not underestimate his opponent. On the contrary, the 35-year-old fighter has already stated that he is impressed by the Frenchman. To prepare as best as possible before challenging Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya is now training alongside a well-known name in the UFC.
It is his compatriot Dan Hooker who will once again serve as Israel Adesanya’s sparring partner before UFC Fight Night 250. The Hangman has already shared the same training camp as The Last Stylebender on numerous occasions.
Imavov will have to find a great kickboxer
In 2022, the two men were seen working on the ground at City Kickboxing d’Auckland. This time, we find the inseparable fighters standing. With no opponent planned, Dan Hooker takes advantage of this lull to prepare Adesanya.
6th in the UFC rankings, the lightweight is a potential opponent of Benoit Saint-Denis. His reach (192cm) and his striking style will allow Israel Adesanya to prepare perfectly. For his part, Nassourdine Imavov has an interest in finding a partner with a profile similar to his future opponent.
When we know how extremely tight the middleweight category is, we say to ourselves that Imavov has no interest in missing out during his next UFC outing. Khamzat Chimaev is on the lookout for the slightest misstep and could slow down the Frenchman’s rise. Enough to make this Israel Adesanya – Nassourdine Imavov fight even more exciting.
Nostalgic for Klopp’s Greens and Reds, I rely on winter sports to keep smiling. In search of thrills thanks to high mountain activities, I thrill in front of my TV through tennis, basketball, handball, football and combat sports.
