- George Chung
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
The Octagon is back in Saudi Arabia, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever! As we count down to UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov, set to light up the anb Arena on February 1, 2025, let’s rewind to the explosive debut of UFC in the Kingdom. Spoiler alert: It was nothing short of unforgettable.
Whittaker’s Thunderous Statement
When Robert Whittaker faced Ikram Aliskerov in the main event last June, the stakes were sky-high. With Khamzat Chimaev sidelined due to health concerns, Whittaker stepped up—and delivered. Fans barely had time to settle into their seats before “The Reaper” unleashed a one-two combo that dropped Aliskerov like a thunderbolt. A follow-up uppercut sealed the deal in less than two minutes, giving Whittaker his first finish since 2017. If you thought the middleweight division was exciting before, this fight turned it into a powder keg.
Oezdemir’s Fireworks
Volkan Oezdemir wasted no time igniting the Saudi Arabian crowd with a jaw-dropping first-round knockout of Johnny Walker. A brutal left hand followed by a clean shot sent Walker crashing to the canvas in under three minutes. Oezdemir’s explosive performance not only earned him a well-deserved Performance of the Night bonus but also set the tone for an unforgettable main card. If the Kingdom’s inaugural UFC event needed a spark, Oezdemir delivered a full-blown inferno.
Lima’s Last-Minute Heroics
Felipe Lima was a late addition to the card, stepping in to face Muhammad Naimov on short notice. The fight was a rollercoaster, with the scorecards split heading into the final round. But Lima’s corner delivered a pep talk for the ages, and “Jungle Boy” rose to the occasion. With time ticking down, Lima secured a slick rear-naked choke, forcing Naimov to tap and extending his win streak to 13. The Kingdom was introduced to a rising star that night, and the world took notice.
Why You Can’t Miss UFC’s Return
The stage is now set for another unforgettable night as former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya takes on the surging Nassourdine Imavov. Will Adesanya reclaim his dominance, or will Imavov shine under the bright lights of Riyadh? With a stacked card and the electrifying atmosphere of anb Arena, this is more than a fight night—it’s a moment in history.
⚡ Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov ⚡📅 February 1, 2025🕘 Prelims start at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT🔥 Main card kicks off at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT on ESPN+
