The UFC Apex in Las Vegas was the stage for an unforgettable night of MMA action on February 15, 2025, headlined by Jared Cannonier’s spectacular knockout victory over Gregory Rodrigues. The event, featuring 12 intense bouts streamed live on ESPN+, delivered a mix of explosive finishes and gritty decisions that left fans buzzing. Main Event: Cannonier Stuns Rodrigues in Round 4 Jared Cannonier proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division, finishing Gregory Rodrigues with a brutal flurry of punches just 21 seconds into the fourth round. After three competitive rounds, Cannonier seized the moment when Rodrigues dropped his guard, unleashing a series of precise strikes that brought the fight to a dramatic end. This win cements Cannonier’s status as a top-tier contender. Co-Main Event: Zalal Shocks Kattar Youssef Zalal pulled off a major upset, outpointing seasoned fighter Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision. Zalal’s speed, movement, and well-timed counters impressed the judges, marking a pivotal moment in his featherweight journey. Main Card Breakdown Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dylan Budka (185 Lbs): Shahbazyan made a statement with a first-round knockout, landing a crushing right hook at 1:35 to reaffirm his place as a rising middleweight talent. Nazim Sadykhov vs. Ismael Bonfim (155 Lbs): Sadykhov’s aggressive approach led to a doctor’s stoppage after the first round due to Bonfim’s visible damage. Andre Petroski vs. Rodolfo Vieira (185 Lbs): Petroski’s wrestling and control on the ground earned him a clear unanimous decision over the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace. Preliminary Card Highlights Jose Delgado vs. Connor Matthews (145 Lbs): Delgado scored a first-round KO/TKO with a devastating overhand right and follow-up ground strikes at 2:58. Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza (115 Lbs): Hill narrowly edged out Souza in a hard-fought split decision. Rafael Estevam vs. Jesus Aguilar (125 Lbs): Estevam’s sharp striking and control earned him a unanimous decision win. Gabriel Bonfim vs. Khaos Williams (170 Lbs): Bonfim locked in a D’arce choke at 4:58 of the second round, forcing Williams to tap. Elijah Smith vs. Vince Morales (135 Lbs): Smith dominated from start to finish, securing a unanimous decision. Valter Walker vs. Don’Tale Mayes (265 Lbs): Walker showcased his grappling skills with a quick heel hook submission at 1:17 of the first round. Jacqueline Cavalcanti vs. Julia Avila (135 Lbs): Cavalcanti’s superior striking and control earned her a unanimous decision victory. UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues delivered an action-packed evening, featuring standout performances and rising stars making their mark. Stay tuned for more UFC news, in-depth fight analysis, and exclusive updates!

The January 1992 cover of Black Belt Magazine showed world-class martial artists Hiro Koda and Yuki Koda . Hiro Koda would later work as the stunt coordinator for the wildly popular Cobra Kai series! Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

MMA fans, mark your calendars! UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues is set to take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.  This 12-fight card , featuring elite contenders and rising prospects, promises fireworks from start to finish. Broadcast live on ESPN+ , this event features a middleweight main event showdown  between veteran knockout artist Jared Cannonier  and the surging Gregory Rodrigues . The co-main event sees the return of striking specialist Calvin Kattar , who will take on the ever-dangerous Youssef Zalal  in a featherweight contest. Here’s everything you need to know about the stacked fight card! Main Event: Middleweight Showdown Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185 lbs) A clash between power strikers, Cannonier  aims to assert his dominance and inch closer to another title shot, while Rodrigues , known for his aggressive style and well-rounded skillset, looks to secure the biggest win of his career. Expect an intense battle with high stakes in the UFC’s middleweight division . Co-Main Event: Featherweight Fireworks Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal (145 lbs) Veteran featherweight Calvin Kattar  returns, looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, while Zalal , known for his speed and slick movement, is determined to make a name for himself against a highly-ranked opponent. This fight is a must-watch for striking enthusiasts! Main Card: Rising Stars & Veterans Collide Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov (155 lbs) A lightweight war is expected as Bonfim  and Sadykhov  bring relentless pressure, crisp boxing, and finishing ability. Jose Delgado vs. Connor Matthews (145 lbs) Featherweight prospects collide as Delgado  and Matthews  battle for supremacy and a potential ranking breakthrough. Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dylan Budka (185 lbs) Shahbazyan, once a rising star, faces Budka , a gritty opponent looking to make a statement. Rodolfo Vieira vs. Andre Petroski (185 lbs) A grappling chess match is on the horizon as Vieira , a world-class BJJ ace, squares off against Petroski , a relentless wrestler with knockout power. Preliminary Card: Action-Packed Showdowns Julia Avila vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135 lbs) Avila looks to reassert herself in the women’s bantamweight division against the surging Cavalcanti . Vince Morales vs. Elijah Smith (135 lbs) Bantamweight fireworks expected as Morales  and Smith  go head-to-head. Valter Walker vs. Don'Tale Mayes (265 lbs) Heavyweights clash in a bout where one punch can end the night in an instant! Rafael Estevam vs. Jesus Aguilar (125 lbs) A high-paced flyweight battle where both men will push the pace from start to finish. Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza (115 lbs) Veteran Angela Hill  returns to prove she still belongs among the elite against Souza , a rising force in the strawweight division. Gabriel Bonfim vs. Khaos Williams (170 lbs) Two of the most dangerous finishers in the welterweight division collide in a bout guaranteed to deliver excitement! Why You Can’t Miss UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues! ✅ Stacked Card  featuring a mix of veterans and rising contenders. ✅ Potential Title Implications  in the middleweight and featherweight divisions. ✅ Non-Stop Action  from start to finish. ✅ Live on ESPN+  – Stream all the action from anywhere!

Attention, fight enthusiasts! The UFC is turning up the heat down under in Sydney, Australia, on February 8, and this is an event you simply cannot afford to miss. The Qudos Bank Arena will host two of the year's most thrilling title fights, so make sure to keep your schedule open for this one. In the main event, middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis returns to defend his title against the man he dethroned, Sean Strickland . This is Strickland’s opportunity for redemption, but Du Plessis aims to show his victory was no accident. Will Strickland regain his glory, or will Du Plessis cement his status as the middleweight king? The stakes are higher than ever! But that’s not all! The co-main event showcases the formidable strawweight champion Zhang Weili , who will defend her title against the undefeated sensation Tatiana Suarez . Suarez has been a dominant force in the division, and Weili will need all her skills to retain her belt. This is a clash of titans guaranteed to deliver excitement! And there's even more – the card is packed with heavyweight clashes, light heavyweight battles, and emerging stars eager to make an impact. From the early prelims to the main card, each fight is filled with action and drama. Here’s how to watch: Early Prelims: 6pm ET / 3pm PT on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims: 8pm ET / 5pm PT on ESPN 2 and ESPN+ Main Card: 10pm ET / 7pm PT, exclusively on ESPN+ PPV Weigh - In Results: MAIN CARD Main Event - Middleweight Title Bout: Dricus Du Plessis (185) vs Sean Strickland (185) Co-Main Event - Strawweight Title Bout: Zhang Weili (115) vs Tatiana Suarez (114.5)  Heavyweight Bout: Justin Tafa (266) vs Tallison Teixeira (263)    Light Heavyweight Bout: Jimmy Crute (206) vs Rodolfo Bellato (205)  Welterweight Bout: Jake Matthews (170.5) vs Francisco Prado (170.5)  PRELIMS Featherweight Bout: Jack Jenkins (146) vs Gabriel Santos (145.5) Lightweight Bout: Tom Nolan (155.5) vs Viacheslav Borshchev (156) Women’s Flyweight Bout: Wang Cong (125) vs Bruna Brasil (125.5)   Bantamweight Bout: Colby Thicknesse (135.5) vs Aleksandre Topuria (135.5)  EARLY PRELIMS Lightweight Bout: Rongzhu () vs Kody Steele (156)  Welterweight Bout: Jonathan Micallef (170) vs Kevin Jousset (171)  Lightweight Bout: Quillan Salkilld (156) vs Anshul Jubli (155.5)

Tony Dorsett, the legendary "Hawk" and College and NFL Hall of Famer, appeared on the cover of Fighting Stars  in December 1981. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Let’s spend a little time with a man whose parents seemed to have some idea of what they were bringing forth when they christened him Oscar Matthew Battling Nelson. Warning: This “lesson from the masters” is a no-go under today’s boxing rules, but it still holds value for self-defense. It’s insane to think that such tactics were at one time considered hunky-dory for use in the ring. While raised in the United States, Nelson was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1882, and this hometown led to another of his nicknames: “The Durable Dane.” And he was exactly that: durable. Nelson was never noted a stylist. He was as far from pretty as one can get, but he was old-school Tough with a capital T. He would emerge from his corner with his arms crossed in front of his body and start throwing with wild abandon, seemingly always swinging for the fences. The man could have been the poster boy for the I’ll-take-three-of-his-to-give-one-of-mine school of fighting. Notice I said fighting and not boxing tactics. As fearsome as the man was inside the ring, no one mistook what he did for anything resembling the sweet science. Battling Nelson — whose name was often shortened to simply Bat — would just go after his opponents no matter the consequences. He fought two 40-round fights, one of which occurred in 1902 and involved Christy Williams. There were 49 knockdowns, the most in boxing history, with Bat toppling seven times and Williams 42 times. (No doubt that helped establish Williams as a mighty durable fellow, too.) The Durable Dane once broke his left arm in the middle of a 15-round bout but soldiered on, explaining at the end of the fight that it “made me somewhat cautious and kept me [from] winning by a knockout.” There's no doubt that Battling Nelson was one of the most ferocious fighters to ever step into the ring, but that aforementioned lack of finesse would seem to preclude him from teaching us 21st century fighters anything about the sweet science, right? After all, physical hardiness and sheer pluck are difficult to drill. Before you dismiss him, consider this: Nelson was not the cleanest of fighters. In fact, his inside work was exceptionally vicious. Jack London, noted author of such classics as The Call of the Wild  and The Sea Wolf , was also an avid boxing fan (Jack did a bit of boxing himself), and he often reported on major fights for newspapers. Not necessarily a fan of the vicious Dane’s style, London dubbed him “The Abysmal Brute.” One of Bat's abysmal — and quasi-legal–tactics was the “scissor punch.” In the era of skintight gloves, Nelson would fire a lead hook to the liver with his thumb and index finger extended in, well, scissors-fashion. This additional bit of pinpoint penetration is more disconcerting than you would think, especially to a body that’s used to percussive blows. We don’t know if Nelson delivered his scissor punch with his hook hand palm downward or with it facing himself. However, experimentation has revealed that, at least for me, the palm-down version allows for better liver penetration. Now, before you go smacking the heavy bag with this bit of nastiness, allow me to say that my experimentation also has revealed that my hands are not as durable as the Durable Dane’s. That is, I find it’s mighty easy to jam my thumb and particularly my index finger when throwing the scissor punch into the mix. The following are the steps I take to throw a version of the technique that seems to work nicely for people with anything less than Battling Nelson’s adamantine skeleton. I’ve dubbed it the “Nelson dig.” Begin to fire a lead hook to the liver. As your arm moves, turn your hand so it’s palm-down. Extend your thumb, but not completely. Give the thumb a bit of support with the second knuckle of your index finger. Once you find the correct thumb-forefinger bolstering position, this blow can be delivered with surprising speed and power, but it doesn’t exactly need power behind it. That penetrating shot to the liver is mighty unsettling. Again, save this one for the street or historical recreations. Don’t try it in competition.

Prepare yourself for an evening filled with relentless action! UFC Saudi Arabia ignites Riyadh on February 1, 2025, featuring an exhilarating middleweight showdown between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov ! The co-main event showcases the emerging talent Shara Magomedov facing off against the formidable British competitor Michael "Venom" Page in a contest for dominance! UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs Imavov airs at a unique time! Prelims start at 9am ET / 6am PT. Main card action begins at 12pm ET / 9am PT. The entire event is available on ESPN+ in the United States. The main event is set for five rounds. All other matches are scheduled for three rounds. UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs Imavov Official Weigh-In Results: MAIN CARD Main Event - Middleweight Bout: Israel Adesanya (185) vs Nassourdine Imavov (185)   Co-Main Event - Middleweight Bout: Shara Magomedov (185) vs Michael “Venom” Page (185.5) Heavyweight Bout: Sergei Pavlovich (249) vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (252)   Bantamweight Bout: Said Nurmagomedov (135.5) vs Vinicius Oliveira (135) Lightweight Bout: Fares Ziam (156) vs Mike Davis (155.5) PRELIMS Featherweight Bout: Muhammad Naimov (145.5) vs Kaan Ofli (145)  Heavyweight Bout: Shamil Gaziev (260) vs Thomas Petersen (263)   Lightweight Bout: Terrance McKinney (156) vs Damir Hadzovic (155.5)  Women’s Flyweight Bout: Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs Mayra Bueno Silva (126)  Featherweight Bout: Bogdan Grad (145.5) vs Lucas Alexander (148.5)* Heavyweight Bout: Hamdy Abdelwahab (260) vs Jamal Pogues (264)   *Lucas Alexander weighed in above the featherweight limit of 146 pounds. He forfeits 30% of his purse to his opponent.

The September 1980 cover of Black Belt featured Kajukenbo Grandmaster George Iversen , founder of the Hawaiian Kajukenbo Association. With over thirty-five years of experience as both a student and teacher, he developed one of the most effective methods for passing on the greatest lessons in martial arts — lessons he learned from legendary masters such as Adriano Emperado, Sid Asuncion, James Mitose, William Chow, Henry Okazaki, and Bing Fai Lau. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Eastern arts, for the most part, have a built-in hierarchy of adherence to lineage and tradition. In other words, “My master was taught by this master, and he was taught by…” and so on. Don't get me wrong! Direct lineage can be an excellent index of quality information transference, but it isn't a guarantee of excellence. Western combat arts, on the other hand, have less of a grounding in lineage. Oh, it's out there, but it's just not as dogmatic in most cases. It can be speculated that this obliviousness to lineage—not disregard for it—in the United States is rooted in the concept of the self-made man, Yankee ingenuity, and the fierce independence that this nation fostered in its early years. We can see evidence of this notion in our frontier wrestlers and pugilists, people who learned their trade via the bumps and bruises that came from impromptu friendly (and unfriendly) matches, as opposed to journeys to temples and pilgrimages to a guru's hermitage. Our early fighters would hone their fight science by trial and error and by self-study—the less-pompous word for autodidacticism. Heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing, John L. Sullivan We have numerous examples of these self-guided scrappers in action, including John L. Sullivan honing his skills in pickup matches and Ed "Strangler" Lewis trying out holds he learned from a guide written by Evan "Strangler" Lewis. We also can credit the fact that many Western arts fell into disfavor, such as when real pro wrestling went fake. Further, many, including a number of sword styles, faded from common use altogether. Thus were lineages busted in the West. Whatever the reasons for this lack of emphasis on lineage, it hasn't staunched the flow of solid information. In fact, it may be a boon for the Western arts. The Eastern arts often have a readily accessible and long line of tradition to draw from, but this very characteristic can stifle experimentation. Western arts, with their less-clear delineations, force many practitioners to experiment with concepts, ideas, tactics, and techniques because nothing is handed down on a silver platter. Again, this is not to say that all Eastern arts fall outside this experimental category, but it's far more common to find experimentation in the Western methods. Essentially, all martial artists are autodidacts. We are all self-taught. Whether we learn at the feet of a guru or from a DVD, it's the practitioners who choose to take the information and make of it what they can. Autodidacticism seems to exist to a greater degree in Western combat artists because shallow lineages often call for exploration. This exploration leads to a form of combat archeology in which students devour every book, DVD, and manual they can lay hands on. They scour any and all resources, whether that means studying reproductions of old woodcuts, peering at photographs of wrestling postures cut into the rock tombs at Beni Hassan, reading the latest boxing manual, or popping in a new DVD. Autodidacts are, in this sense, martial arts archeologists as they attempt to piece together obscure or forgotten ideas and reassemble them. Only then do they synthesize those ideas in a manner that's pertinent and valuable to their life. Today's methods of archeology and autodidacticism can, in a sense, be called a direct lineage to that spirit of Yankee individualism that fired many of our wrestling, boxing, and Western-combat forerunners. Today's archeologists have available media and technologies that were undreamed of a mere 30 years ago, let alone a century ago. It's their never-ending thirst for knowledge that makes the diligent hard-training, cyberliterate autodidacts of today the direct lineal products of men such as Ed "Strangler" Lewis deciphering that Evan Lewis booklet 100 years ago. It's a grand tradition, one we should all be proud to be a part of. I know I am.

The UFC Middleweight division just got a whole lot more exciting with the addition of Michael "Venom" Page, one of the most electrifying strikers in combat sports history. Set to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon, MVP will face undefeated Russian phenom Shara Magomedov in the co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia , a bout that promises fireworks and a clash of striking styles that fans won't want to miss. Michael Page: The Showman Who Finally Made It to the UFC For years, MMA fans have been calling for Michael Page to test himself in the UFC. The London-born fighter built a reputation as one of the most dangerous and unorthodox strikers in Bellator, accumulating a highlight reel of knockouts that showcased his blistering speed, pinpoint accuracy, and flashy taekwondo-based offense. His elusive movement and ability to finish fights in style have drawn comparisons to legends like Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya. Page's long-awaited move to the UFC came after a successful run in Bellator, where he challenged for the interim Welterweight Championship and defeated top-tier opponents like Paul Daley, Douglas Lima, and Goiti Yamauchi. His switch to the UFC marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that immediately put him in the spotlight of a stacked Middleweight division. From Cage Warriors to Bellator to UFC: A Journey Worth the Wait Michael Page's journey to the UFC wasn’t a typical one. Unlike many fighters who enter the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series or traditional regional circuits, MVP built his legacy outside of the UFC, particularly in Bellator, where he became one of the most marketable stars. His combination of showmanship and undeniable talent made him a fan favorite, and his departure from Bellator left fans wondering when he would finally enter the world's biggest MMA stage. At UFC Saudi Arabia, he gets his chance to prove that he belongs among the best Middleweights on the planet. But standing in his way is Shara Magomedov, a dangerous kickboxer who has made waves with his undefeated record and devastating striking ability. MVP vs. Shara Bullet: A Striking Masterclass Incoming? Michael Page and Shara Magomedov are both known for their elite-level striking, setting up a co-main event that could be a potential Fight of the Night  contender. Magomedov, a rising Russian talent with an unblemished record, is feared for his aggressive style, knockout power, and iron will. His ability to pressure opponents with a blend of kickboxing and Muay Thai makes him a formidable challenge for any Middleweight contender. However, MVP brings a unique style that few have been able to solve. His karate-based stance, unpredictable footwork, and counter-striking prowess make him a puzzle inside the cage. If he can control the distance and avoid Magomedov’s heavy shots, Page could put on a masterclass that announces his arrival as a serious threat in the division. What’s at Stake? A win for Michael Page at UFC Saudi Arabia could catapult him into the top ranks of the Middleweight division. With stars like Israel Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis, and Khamzat Chimaev looming at the top, a dominant performance against Magomedov could put MVP in the conversation for big-name fights right away. For Magomedov, this fight is just as crucial. With his undefeated streak on the line and a chance to derail Page’s UFC debut, a victory over MVP would solidify his status as a legitimate title contender. The Countdown to UFC Saudi Arabia Begins Michael Page’s UFC debut is set to be one of the most highly anticipated moments of the year, and his fight against Shara Magomedov has all the makings of a striking showcase for the ages. Whether Page’s unorthodox brilliance prevails or Magomedov’s relentless aggression proves too much, one thing is certain: UFC Saudi Arabia is set to deliver an unforgettable night of fights. Will Michael "Venom" Page make a statement in his UFC debut, or will Shara Magomedov spoil the party? The world will find out soon.

Jasmine Jasudavicius is ready to make history. With three dominant wins in 2024, the relentless Canadian powerhouse is stepping into the Octagon this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, looking to extend her streak and solidify her place among the UFC’s elite. Her opponent? Former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva, a dangerous foe with everything to prove. But Jasudavicius isn’t just here to compete—she’s here to conquer. A Fighter Born to Defy Expectations When Jasudavicius first asked her coach and partner, Chris Prickett, to let her spar, she had no idea she’d be a ranked UFC fighter just six years later. Now, the St. Catharines, Ontario native is one of the division’s most relentless forces. “‘No way! You’re drunk!’” she laughed when reflecting on how she would’ve reacted if someone told her she’d be in the UFC’s Top 15 today. Jasudavicius, now 35, is a unique mix of a veteran and a rookie—a fighter whose hunger for improvement is just as strong as the day she started. “I still look at martial arts as if I’m a white belt. I genuinely love training. Even on rest days in Thailand, I’d still go to the gym and watch. If I started this sport younger, maybe I wouldn’t have the same fire. But now? I’m still obsessed.” Climbing the UFC Ladder with Relentless Determination Jasudavicius’ UFC career has been a whirlwind of grit and determination. Since earning her spot through Dana White’s Contender Series, she has relentlessly climbed the ranks. She racked up wins against Kay Hansen, Gabriella Fernandes, Miranda Maverick, and most recently, a three-fight win streak over Priscila Cachoeira, Fatima Kline, and Ariane da Silva in 2024. Two of those victories came via third-round submission, earning her Performance of the Night bonuses. That ability to break opponents in the later rounds isn’t by accident—it’s a reflection of the brutal pace she pushes every single day in training. “I love that feeling when I know my opponent is melting under my pressure. That’s why I do this—to feel that dominance, to know my hard work is paying off.” A High-Stakes Clash in Saudi Arabia When the call came to face Mayra Bueno Silva, it wasn’t a fight Jasudavicius had anticipated. “No, not at all. I thought she was a ‘35er,” she admitted. “We trained together at American Top Team years ago and became friends. But when the UFC offered me the fight—AND it was in Saudi Arabia—I couldn’t say no. Life’s about seizing opportunities.” Bueno Silva, a former bantamweight title contender, is stepping back down to flyweight, making this a massive test for both women. A win for Jasudavicius wouldn’t just extend her streak—it would catapult her into serious title contention. “She’s obviously talented. She’s fought for a title before, so beating her would prove a lot. But I want to get to that belt myself.” No Plans, No Looking Back—Just War Jasudavicius isn’t one to overanalyze the future. She thrives in the moment, embracing every challenge as it comes. This fight, like all her fights, is a step forward in the pursuit of greatness. “I never know what doors will open after each fight. I don’t think too far ahead—I’d miss what’s happening right now. So when this opportunity came, I jumped on it.” And as for how she plans to get the job done? In true Jasudavicius fashion, her answer is simple: “We just keep it going. There’s nothing to it but to do it!” Don’t miss a second of UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov, live from the anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 1, 2025. Prelims kick off at 9 AM ET / 6 AM PT, with the main card streaming live on ESPN+ at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT.

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.