Adesanya Will Show His Best Against Imavov – ‘I’m Good, Y’all Forgot’
Israel Adesanya is confident about showing fans what he can do when he takes on Nassourdine Imavov.
Adesanya fights in Saudi Arabia for the first time in his career in the UFC’s second event in the region on February 1. There are significant questions about Adesanya’s performances of late. He has suffered losses to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in his last two fights. That was the first time he had ever suffered back-to-back defeats. The Strickland loss cost him his UFC Middleweight Title. After the loss, Adesanya said he would take some time out from the sport. He also said he was not interested in fighting for belts but rather for the fun of it.
However, the Du Plessis fight showed otherwise. Adesanya was given a title shot immediately after Du Plessis beat Strickland. But Izzy could not deliver, losing a fourth-round submission. The Imavov fight has plenty on the line. Imavov has three straight wins and is ranked number seven in the middleweight rankings. Adesanya has stated he would like to fight Khamzat Chimaev. The latter submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round, which impressed Izzy. Since Chimaev is considered a leading title contender, Adesanya’s aim is to win the belt back. But it all starts with Imamov first.
Adesanya Reacts
“[I still fight] because I can. I’m really, really, really good at it. I almost forgot how great I was. But then recently I just realized like I’m good at this.’ I forget because, reasons. But yeah, it’s good to remind yourself. I keep saying ‘Y’all must’ve forgot.’. I almost forgot. [And] I know [Imavov] is dangerous, I know he’s sick, I like his style. Not bad footwork. He’s dangerous, and very well-rounded. It’s not about him, it’s about me, it’s about improving. It’s about writing this chapter. I love the way things are playing out. It’s about me, and just improving, and really showing what I can really do in the full range of mixed martial arts,” Adesanya said
It is one thing to show promise in the gym; it is another thing to deliver in front of an audience. Adesanya is 35 years old and is in the latter part of his career. Imavov is significantly younger at 28. Imamov’s wins have also shown that he can win using a variety of methods. He has won by going the distance and getting stoppages.
Adesanya’s Future
That variety will pose Adesanya some problems. He lost to Strickland on the cards while losing via a submission to Du Plessis. Imamov’s only losses have come against Strickland and Phil Hawes, showing he is no pushover. But a loss for Adesanya will increase the calls on him to retire. He has previously said he would like to retire before he is 40.
“When will I? I don’t know. I said at 20-something, ‘When I’m 34 I’m done with this game.’ I’m 35 now. But I know I’m still over the halfway point and I’m definitely a few years away, maybe three years away. But who knows?I know I don’t want to be fighting at 40,” Adesanya stated
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