Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has declared that he remains a constant figure in the title picture despite recent setbacks, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
“I’m always in the title picture. That’s because I’m Israel Adesanya, and I’ve done so much in this game,” Adesanya told Stake.com ahead of his comeback fight against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh on Saturday.
The Nigerian-born fighter, who lost his title to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 last August following another defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, believes he has made significant improvements during his time away from the octagon.
“Training has been more ramped up and more tightened when it comes to efficiency. We are definitely going to have more gas in the tank for Imavov. I’ve worked so hard in these 20 weeks or so,” he said.
The 35-year-old recently told MMA Junkie that the middleweight division lacks excitement without his presence, stating, “Without me, middleweight is getting boring. So, it’s time to make it interesting.”
Adesanya has been preparing for his comeback by training with former rival Robert Whittaker, who believes the former champion remains the favourite against Imavov despite recent losses.
Looking beyond his immediate challenge, Adesanya expressed optimism about the future of African fighters in MMA, drawing parallels with the current dominance of Dagestani fighters.
“In MMA, there’s always a country or a group of people that come into the UFC and just dominate. Right now it’s the Dagestani’s who are here, with guys like Imavov and others with similar last names,” he said.
“Eventually, you will see names like ‘Olusoga and Mathias,’ and all those last names from Nigeria and people will be like ‘Oh S**t!’ He is from Nigeria, or the Congo, or Ghana?’ Our time is coming when we will have that African Dominance in the game.”
The former champion also addressed the possibility of a UFC event in Africa, revealing his discussions with UFC president Dana White while highlighting potential challenges.
“Dana White and I have spoken on many occasions about UFC Africa. One thing about Africa is that we can be our own worst enemies. The 1 per cent sometimes f*ck over a lot of their people just to stay rich and keep their friends rich. It’s a lot of red tape,” Adesanya added.
A victory over the fifth-ranked Imavov at the February 1 event could potentially earn Adesanya another title shot or at least a number-one contender bout as he aims to reclaim his position at the top of the division.
