Kiwi Israel Adesanya will begin his UFC comeback against Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov in February, after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time in his mixed martial arts career.
The former middleweight champion lost his crown in September 2023 in an upset loss to American Sean Strickland and was then forced into submission by South African Dricus du Plessis in his attempt to win back the title in August.
Any doubts about the 35-year-old's immediate future have been dispelled with confirmation of his return to the Octogan at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1.
"This will be the first Israel Adesanya has been in a non-title fight since 2019," announced UFC boss Dana White. "Adesanya has been one of the most exciting and talented strikers to ever compete in the UFC.
"Out of 24 wins, 16 have come by knockout. He holds the UFC middleweight record for most knockdowns, second in title wins and second-longest win streak."
Imavov, 29, is currently ranked fifth in the middleweight division, boasting seven wins, two losses and a no contest result in UFC competition, with recent success against Brendan Allen and Jared Cannonier.
"Imavov is one of the brightest young contenders in the division and is currently on a three-fight win streak," said White. "He has a similar style to Israel and loves to strike."
Meanwhile, Adesanya's City Kickboxing training partner — light-heavyweight Navajo Stirling — has announced his arrival on the UFC landscape with a unanimous points victory over Brit Tuco Tokkos at Tampa.
Stirling was frustrated in his attempts to end the contest early, but made a good impression in his debut on the main card.
"I thought he would open himself up more early in the fight," he said. "I was too eager for the knockout, but I felt him cover up, survive and try to make it to the next round.
"I put on a performance for you guys, my first time in the UFC and only had five fights, so still learning on the job."
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