UFC Saudi Arabia First Look: Adesanya vs. Imavov Betting Picks, Odds & Predictions
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David Manyun
- January 29, 2025
UFC Pick: Adesanya ML (-150) [1.5u to win 1u] at Everygame (visit our Everygame Review)
In their return to Riyadh Season, the UFC arrives in Saudi Arabia this weekend as top contending middleweight competitors will exchange leather for the evening’s main event, and we’re covering all your betting needs.
Former two-division middleweight champion Israel Adesanya welcomes the No.5-ranked Nassourdine Imavov into the octagon in a contest guaranteed to deliver fireworks from the opening bell.
Before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks, read on for our complete betting guide with an early preview of the UFC Saudi Arabia main event clash between Adesanya and Imavov, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC first-look betting picks, predictions and analysis.
And if you’re looking for more value picks, make sure to take a look at our YouTube channel.
Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov
UFC Saudi Arabia Middleweight Main Event Bout
UFC Saudi Arabia Information
- When: Saturday, February 01, 2025 – 08:05 PM ET
- Where: ANB Arena, Riyadh
- Scheduled Bouts: 11
- Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
UFC Saudi Arabia Main Event Profiles
Israel Adesanya
Two middleweight championship successes, a three-year reign as the 185lb titleholder and a plethora of historic battles headlining UFC pay-per-view events, and he’s still the only UFC athlete to knock out the current light heavyweight champ, Alex Pereira, to date; Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ has done it all.
As one of the fastest-rising middleweights in UFC history, Adesanya’s name is etched in MMA greatness. Unfortunately, when you’re at the top of the game, one’s fall from grace can be significantly more noticeable. And with three losses from his four most recent appearances, Izzy is experiencing a status at 185lbs that he hasn’t felt since 2019.
That’s right, not since 2019 has Adesanya fought in a non-title bout, but that all comes to a head this weekend when he faces a non-top-four-ranked opponent and fellow contender. Sitting in a contender position isn’t familiar territory for the former champ, and neither is a two-fight losing streak. Still, one thing is certain: you can never doubt The Last Stylebender and his capabilities.
Adesanya Best Moneyline Odds: (-150) at Everygame
Nassourdine Imavov
From a two-fight losing streak to kickstart 2024 into a three-fight win streak and an opportunity against a former champion to begin 2025, a lot has changed in the last twelve months for Nassourdine Imavov, as his run into title contention starts this weekend in Riyadh.
Imavov, 28, has noticeably fought and lost to his only battle with a top-five-ranked foe, Sean Strickland, but with only two defeats in nine UFC appearances to date, he now holds the record, the hype in France and the chance to make a true mark on the division by conquering the former king at middleweight.
Imavov Best Moneyline Odds: (+142) at Bovada
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Boxing steered Imavov into MMA, and Adesanya is a former kickboxing champion. So, to expect a striking battle this weekend feels like a just opinion, although the former certainly does pose the chance to threaten Izzy with a grappling scenario or two.
Imavov has displayed well-rounded qualities as a martial artist, and yes, we’ve seen him implement grappling game plans during his bouts. However, for the most part, he’s deployed offensive striking inside the cage, and this could be his downfall come Saturday.
As you might know, Adesanya’s route to fame and glory as a UFC middleweight champion was thanks to his kickboxing abilities. The capability to keep opponents at range and attack them with kicks, strikes and counterstrikes when needed, behind masterful footwork, respectable durability and excellent cardio to match has been a problem that 13 of his 17 UFC opponents couldn’t figure out.
Should this five-round main event result in a war of kicks and punches, it’s hard not to see the former champion coming out on top. While Imavov does put up some high striking output averages, he hasn’t proved to have the cardio to achieve this for 25 minutes, unlike Izzy, who has won more five-round striking battles than anyone!
Adesanya Moneyline: The UFC Saudi Arabia Best Bet Formula
The available UFC odds at Bookmakers Review have placed Adesanya with a -150 price tag. Honestly, this price point is almost unheard of, but due to two straight losses, it would seem the oddsmakers are giving us a gift this weekend.
Is Imavov capable of victory? I believe so, but it would require a mixture of grappling and wrestling, and across 25 minutes, I don’t believe he has the aggression or cardio to worry Adesanya in this regard. The former champ will quickly remind critics why he’s one of the best strikers to ever do it and school the up-and-comer who lacks elite-level experience.
UFC Pick: Adesanya ML (-150) [1.5u to win 1u] at Everygame
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
