HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), today announced a new global event as part of Riyadh Season, in collaboration with UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. The anb Arena in Riyadh will host thrilling mixed martial arts bouts on February 1, 2025, in what promises to be an unforgettable evening for fight fans.
The main event features former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, famously known as “The Last Stylebender,” who faces off against the rising star and No.4 ranked middleweight, Nassourdine Imavov. Both athletes aim to solidify their status on the global stage in this much-anticipated showdown that is set to make waves in the MMA world.
Adesanya (24-4-0, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand, by way of Lagos, Nigeria) is one of the most decorated UFC fighters. He returns to the Octagon® after a narrow lost against UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis earlier this year. The fan favourite looks to get back to his winning form as he targets a dominant defeat over Imavov.
Imavov (15-4-0, fighting out of Paris, France, by way of Dagestan) hopes to keep his momentum building following a statement win over contender Brendan Allen. A well-rounded competitor with KO power, Nassourdine now hopes to take out UFC legend Adesanya in emphatic fashion.In a clash of middleweight challengers, No. 14 ranked Shara Magomedov takes on superstar Michael Venom Page in the co-main event, adding even more excitement to the night.
Magomedov (15-0-0, fighting out of Moscow Russia, by way of Dagestan) has wasted no time turning heads since joining UFC in 2023. He boasts wins over Armen Petrosyan and Michał Oleksiejczuk. Shara plans to climb the rankings with a dominant win over Page.
Page (22-3-0, fighting out of London, England) vows to get back to the win column as he takes on Magomedov. Known for his kickboxing, Page has his sights on putting on a powerful performance against Magomedov.
Tickets for this landmark event will go on sale on January 3, 2025 via Webook. Additional fights on the card will be revealed in the coming weeks, building anticipation among sports enthusiasts eager to witness world-class events that have become a cornerstone of Riyadh Season’s offerings.
