- George Chung
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
February is set to ignite the Octagon like never before, with the UFC middleweight division taking center stage in a month packed with high-stakes battles, career-defining showdowns, and a championship rematch that could change everything. From the return of Israel Adesanya in must-win mode to Driscus Du Plessis putting his title reign on the line and a series of make-or-break fights, this month could completely reshape the 185-pound landscape.
The lightweight division may have stolen the headlines at the start of 2025, but February belongs to the middleweights. With three massive main events and key ranking matchups, buckle up—because the chaos is about to begin.
Israel Adesanya Fights for Survival Against Red-Hot Nassourdine Imavov (Feb 1 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
“The Last Stylebender” is in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in nearly six years, Adesanya will fight without a belt on the line—but make no mistake, his future in the division depends on this bout. Coming off back-to-back losses and three defeats in his last four fights, Adesanya must win to keep his name in the title picture. At 35, can he still hang with the new generation?
Standing in his way is Nassourdine Imavov, a rising French star who tore through 2024 with wins over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen. The 29-year-old is hungry for a title shot, and taking out a legend like Adesanya would put him right at the front of the line.
Adding more fireworks to the Riyadh card, Shara “Bullet” Magomedov returns after his jaw-dropping double-backfist KO at UFC 308, this time against the electrifying Michael “Venom” Page, who is making a bold move up to middleweight. Two of the flashiest strikers in MMA are about to go head-to-head—expect highlight-reel violence!
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland II – A War for the Middleweight Crown (Feb 8 – Sydney, Australia)
Fresh off his gritty title-winning performance at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis now faces his toughest challenge yet—proving he is the undisputed king of 185 pounds. His razor-thin split-decision victory over Sean Strickland left the former champ seething for revenge. Now, Strickland gets his shot to reclaim the throne in enemy territory.
For Strickland, the mission is clear: erase the doubt and prove that he—not Du Plessis—is the best middleweight in the world. After his controversial title loss, Strickland took out Paulo Costa in dominant fashion, making sure the UFC had no choice but to give him another shot. Now, he’s headed back to the same arena where he shocked the world by dethroning Adesanya.
This fight is personal, high-stakes, and absolutely must-watch. Will Du Plessis cement his reign, or will Strickland reclaim what he believes is rightfully his?
Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues – A Career-Defining Clash (Feb 15 – UFC Apex, Las Vegas)
Once a top contender in the division, Jared Cannonier’s dreams of a title shot took a massive hit in 2024 with back-to-back losses. Now, at 40 years old, he’s fighting not just for relevancy—but to prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
His opponent? The surging Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues, a fighter known for his wild comebacks and devastating knockout power. The Brazilian has been on a tear, winning three straight, and now gets the biggest opportunity of his career in his first-ever UFC main event. A victory over Cannonier would catapult him into the Top 10, making him a serious problem for anyone in the division.
Can Cannonier reclaim his status as a contender, or will “Robocop” run him over?
Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez – A Grudge Match with Top 10 Implications (Feb 29 – Seattle, Washington)
Ending the month in epic fashion, Seattle plays host to a middleweight rematch that’s six years in the making. Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez first met in 2018 under the LFA banner, where Hernandez won a five-round war to claim the title. Now, the stakes are even higher as both men fight for a place among the UFC’s elite.
Allen, once a red-hot contender, saw his seven-fight win streak snapped by Imavov in Paris. Now, he’s desperate to get back in the win column and make a statement. But Hernandez is one of the most dangerous fighters outside the Top 10, riding a six-fight win streak and finishing five of those opponents.
With 22 combined submission wins between them, expect a high-level chess match on the ground—with plenty of striking firepower to keep things explosive. Whoever wins this war will be knocking on the door of a title eliminator later in 2025.
Middleweight Division in Chaos – Who Will Rise? Who Will Fall?
With so much on the line, February could completely reshape the middleweight division. Will Adesanya reclaim his throne, or will Imavov usher in a new era? Can Du Plessis silence the doubters, or is Strickland about to snatch the title back? Who among the rising contenders will seize their moment and break into the elite ranks?
One thing is certain: the 185-pound division will never be the same after this month.
Don’t miss a moment of the action! UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov kicks off the madness live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1, 2025! Prelims start at 9 AM ET / 6 AM PT, and the main card goes live on ESPN+ at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT.
