Chimaev ran through former champion Robert Whittaker for a first-round submission this past October at UFC 308. His performance may have earned him a title shot, but not before middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis runs things back with Sean Strickland in the UFC 312 headliner on Feb. 8.

The UFC unveiled the official fight poster for UFC Saudi Arabia, featuring Israel Adesanya, Nassourdine Imavov, Shara Bullet, and Michael "Venom" Page.

Adesanya and Imavov square off in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event on February 1st in Riyadh. The card marks the promotion’s return to the kingdom after hosting a UFC Fight Night event in June, featuring another middleweight headliner between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov.

Turki Alalshikh reveals poster for UFC Riyadh featuring Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov and Shara Magomedov vs. Michael "Venom" Page.

Israel Adesanya’s return date, opponent and event are official. The former UFC middleweight champion will headline UFC Saudi Arabia on February 1.

The UFC makes its second visit to Saudi Arabia early in the 2025 calendar with UFC Fight Night 250, which features Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov in the main event. The octagon will touch down in the budding combat sports region with a strong lineup,

Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov will headline UFC Saudi Arabia as the full card has been announced. The UFC will hold their second event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1. Adesanya enters the bout with two consecutive defeats.