Riyadh, February 03, 2025 – The UFC Fight Night event held on Saturday night at the ANB Arena in Riyadh witnessed thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments, with French fighter Nassourdine Imavov delivering a stunning knockout victory over Israel Adesanya in the main event. The fight, attended by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, drew attention from both local and international fans, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for premier sporting events.
Imavov, ranked fourth globally in the UFC Middleweight division, faced the highly skilled New Zealand fighter Israel Adesanya in what promised to be an explosive encounter. The first round saw both fighters engage in an intense back-and-forth exchange, with Adesanya’s agility and striking prowess on full display. However, it was Imavov who gained a slight advantage as the round progressed, setting the stage for an epic second round.
Just 30 seconds into the second round, Imavov unleashed a rapid barrage of powerful punches that left Adesanya unable to recover, forcing the New Zealander to surrender, and earning Imavov a sensational knockout victory. The win was a statement for the rising star, catapulting him further up the rankings and cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
Earlier in the evening, British fighter Michael "Venom" Page delivered an impressive performance against Russian opponent Shara Magomedov. Page, known for his superior tactics, speed, and unorthodox striking style, dominated the fight from start to finish. Throughout the three rounds, Page showcased his exceptional technical ability, delivering precise strikes and quick maneuvers that kept Magomedov on the defensive. In the end, Page secured a unanimous decision victory, handing Magomedov his first career loss and proving his place among the elite in the welterweight division.
In the women’s division, Canadian fighter Jasmine Jasudavicius put on a masterclass performance against Brazil’s Mayra Bueno Silva. From the opening bell, Jasudavicius exhibited remarkable control and tactical brilliance, overpowering Silva in every aspect of the fight. The Canadian fighter maintained dominance throughout the three rounds, showcasing her striking accuracy, clinch work, and ability to dictate the pace of the fight. The judges awarded her a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying her reputation as a top contender in the women’s flyweight division.
Saturday night’s event at the ANB Arena not only thrilled fight fans but also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the world of sports. The Kingdom’s investment in world-class events like UFC Fight Night is a key part of its broader strategy to position itself as a major player in global sports and entertainment, in alignment with its Vision 2030 objectives. With events like these, Saudi Arabia continues to attract top-tier athletes and audiences from around the world, further establishing itself as a prime destination for international sporting events.
The UFC Fight Night event was a spectacular showcase of athleticism and skill, providing fans with unforgettable moments and highlighting the growing prominence of Saudi Arabia on the global sports stage.
